A Triptych (Sanpukutsui): Courtesans of the Pleasure Quarters of the Three Cities c. 18th century

This triptych by Torii Kiyomitsu captures courtesans from the pleasure quarters of three cities. The floating world, or ukiyo, was a space where merchants and others, excluded from political power, found pleasure and community. Here, Kiyomitsu, a member of the Torii school that specialized in Kabuki theater posters and prints, depicts the highly stylized beauties of the era. These women occupy a complex position: celebrated and sought after, yet also confined by their profession. The prints offered a form of cultural currency; widely circulated, they shaped and reflected the tastes of the time. The women’s elaborate kimonos, hairstyles, and makeup speak to the fashion and beauty standards that simultaneously empowered and objectified them. In its delicate lines and vibrant colors, Kiyomitsu’s triptych offers a glimpse into the ephemeral world of beauty, desire, and social status. It invites us to consider the multifaceted lives of these women and the cultural values that defined their existence.