Courtesan as Rogō (Lu Ao), from the series Courtesans Viewed as the Immortals of Ressenden, One of Seven (Keisei mitate Ressenden, shichiban no uchi) c. 1824

Editor: This print by Yashima Gakutei, titled "Courtesan as Rogō," shows a figure seated on what appears to be a turtle. I'm struck by how it merges high-class courtesans with mythological figures. What can you tell me about the context behind this? Curator: Gakutei’s series cleverly plays with social hierarchies and cultural aspirations. The series title, "Courtesans Viewed as the Immortals of Ressenden", highlights the public role of courtesans and how they were elevated—or perhaps exploited—within the visual culture of the time. Note how it also appropriates and reinterprets classical figures, making them more accessible. Editor: So, it's less about literal immortality and more about social commentary? Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to consider how societal values and artistic expression intersect, revealing the politics embedded in imagery. Editor: Fascinating! It really gives me a new perspective on the art world's relationship with society. Curator: Indeed. It's always crucial to investigate the power dynamics at play in artistic representation.