Courtisane met pijp before 1814

Kikugawa Eizan created this woodblock print of a courtesan with a pipe sometime in the first half of the 19th century. In Japan at this time, the floating world of pleasure districts offered an alternative to the rigid social hierarchies of the Shogunate. This image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The courtesan's elaborate kimono, hairstyle, and makeup mark her as a high-ranking member of this world. Her languid pose and the presence of the pipe suggest a life of leisure and indulgence. But the print also hints at the underlying social realities of the floating world. Courtesans were often women from impoverished backgrounds who were sold into service. While they could achieve fame and wealth, they were also subject to exploitation and social stigma. As historians, we can look at contemporary literature, theater, and other visual arts to better understand the complex social dynamics of the floating world and this print's place within it.