The Courtesan Matsukaze of Ogiya in Edo-machi Itchome (Edo-machi Itchome, Ogiya uchi Matsukaze) c. 1765 - 1771

Komai Yoshinobu created this woodblock print, "The Courtesan Matsukaze of Ogiya in Edo-machi Itchome", during the Edo period, a time of economic growth, strict social order, and the flourishing of arts and culture in Japan. Here, we see two women, likely courtesans, in a moment of repose, engaging in intimate conversation. The courtesan was often an educated and cultured woman, skilled in the arts of conversation, music, and dance. The courtesans occupied a unique position in the rigid social hierarchy of the time. While marginalized, they were also celebrated. They were trendsetters in fashion and culture, offering a space for male clients to experience intimacy, intellectual exchange, and artistic stimulation outside the confines of marriage. Yoshinobu’s print offers us a glimpse into the interior life of these women. In their serene expressions, we can sense the quiet strength and resilience required to navigate their complex roles in society. This print invites us to consider the nuances of gender, class, and identity within the historical context of Edo period Japan.