Courtesans Strolling Beneath Cherry Trees Before the Daiko 1789

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print triptych of courtesans in Japan, during the Edo period. These prints gave the public a window into the pleasure districts of Japan and reflect the era’s shifting social dynamics. Here, Utamaro depicts courtesans, or ‘yujo’, enjoying a moment of leisure beneath cherry trees. Look closely, and you’ll see their elaborate kimonos which signal their status. The Daikoku, a symbol of wealth, looms in the background, hinting at the economic exchanges underpinning this scene. Utamaro challenged traditional representations of women, capturing their individuality and sensuality, while also subtly commenting on their social roles. His work provides insight into the complex identities of women within the rigid class structures of Edo society, exploring themes of beauty, desire, and economic power. Through Utamaro’s lens, this scene becomes a poignant reflection on fleeting beauty, gender, and the commodification of pleasure.