Courtesan Walking

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Woodblock prints are regarded as the most characteristic expression of the Japanese artistic genius. Great quantities of this popular art form, called ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), were made during the Edo period (1603-1868) and sold inexpensively to a pleasure-seeking public captivated by Kabuki theater, sumo wrestling, and the brothel districts. Prints such as Kaigetsudo's hand-painted Courtesan display a freedom and originality that were not possible in the rendering of tradition-bound religious images. The beautiful woman clutches her billowing kimono, which has been decorated with the words of a poem whose author is depicted in the lining.

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