Women of The Yoshiwara Viewing Tree Peonies

Catalog note / 解説

This print is part of a triptych showing three famous courtesans with their attendants promenading on the street in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters. It portrays one of the most popular courtesans of the time, Hinazuru (second from the left). They all wear gorgeous kimonos. In the early 17th century, the position of the sash knot was not set. However, by the early 18th century, most women began to tie the knot in the back, and only courtesans or some older women would tie it in the front. Accordingly, the front knot of the sash became an indication of a woman’s status as a courtesan. Prints depicting popular courtesans functioned like fashion magazines for ordinary people as well as advertis…