Accession Number
1980/2.209

Title
Yoshiwara District

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
early 18th century

Medium & Support
handscroll fragment, ink and color on paper

Dimensions
12 5/8 in x 18 1/2 in (32.07 cm x 46.99 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Caroline I. Plumer for the James Marshall Plumer Collection

Subject matter
"The Yoshiwara district was the red light district of the city of Edo during the Edo Period (1603-1868). This is where high-class courtesans named oiran were housed, and all were treated equally here, from peasants to samurai. It was mandatory to leave your weapons at the entrance of Yoshiwara before passing. This area was home to more than 9,000 women from all over Japan. The most anticipated event by the visitors of Yoshiwara was the elegant and magnificent procession of the oiran. At this time, the oiran was the biggest superstar of the place, and it was very common for her to be revered."

“Yoshiwara District.” Japan City Tour, 13 July 2020, tctour.co.jp/areaguide/yoshiwara-district.html.

Physical Description
Six courtesans are sitting in a separate room, each in a different kimono while four samurais stand outside the room. There is another man that is carrying supplies on his back.

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
handscroll

Additional Object Classification(s)
Painting

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
Japan
Musical instruments
Ukiyo-e
courtesans
handscroll
handscrolls
house
kimono
kimonos
musical instruments
samurai
swords
ukiyo e