Hetaera Collection

Courtesans Takikawa Hanaogi Ogiya house Mirror
Courtesans Takikawa and Hanaogi from the Ogiya house Mirror of manuscripts of the new beautiful courtesans from the Yoshiwara (series title) Yoshiwara keisei shin bijin jihitsu kagami

The Pleasures Of Anacreon. Artist: Restout, Jean-Bernard (1732-1797)
The Pleasures Of Anacreon. Private Collection

Aspasia surrounded by Greek philosophers. Artist: Corneille, Michel, the Younger (1642-1708)
Aspasia surrounded by Greek philosophers. Found in the collection of the Musee de l Histoire de France

Courtesan writes range Poetry writing oiran servant
Courtesan writes on a range Poetry writing oiran with servant, A senior courtesan (oiran) is about to calligraphy the fan that she is holding

Paradee courisane courtesan kimono decorated
Paradee courisane, A courtesan in a kimono decorated with various weapons from Kabuki actor families, with a row of umbrella in gold in the background

Two courtesan looking sideways under blossoming cherry tree
Two courtesan looking sideways under a blossoming cherry tree, courtesan, hetaera, Torii Kiyonaga (mentioned on object), 1779 - 1783, paper, colour woodcut, h 675 mm × w 126 mm

Two title object man geisha dance stage lanterns
Two (title on object), A man and a geisha dance on a stage with lanterns above their heads, with cherry blossoms and pine trees in the background. This is the left-hand page of the five-panel

Number two snow clothes Koromode Wakanaya Yukiwake no Wakanaya uchi Koromode
Number two: the snow clothes of Koromode from the Wakanaya Yukiwake no Wakanaya uchi Koromode (title on object) The Nakanocho for the Hisakataya poetry association (series title)

Number five first writing new year Hitofude Tamaya Kakizome no Tamaya uchi Hitofude
Number five: The first writing of the new year by Hitofude from the Tamaya Kakizome no Tamaya uchi Hitofude (title on object) The Nakanocho for the Hisakataya poetry association (series title)

Number four gate decorations Togaeri Matsubaya Yon
Number four: the gate decorations of Togaeri from Matsubaya Yon - Kadokazara no Matsubaya uchi Togaeri The Nakanocho for the Hisakataya poetry association (series title)

Number three New Year sky Chitose Tsuruya San
Number three: the New Year sky with Chitose from Tsuruya San - Hatsusora no Tsuruya uchi Chitose (title on object) The Nakanocho for the Hisakataya poetry association (series title)

Courtesan prepares night courtesan dries hands
Courtesan prepares for the night, A courtesan dries her hands, behind her hangs a kimono decorated with pine needles and dragonflies

immortal RokAś RokAś title object parody biographies
The immortal Roko Roko (title on object) A parody of biographies of wise men by courtesans: a series of seven prints (series title) Keisei mitate ressenden - nanaban no uchi (series title on object)

Woman poem courtesan dressed kimono plum blossom pattern
Woman with a poem, A courtesan, dressed in a kimono with plum blossom pattern and Japanese characters, sits at a table on which is a pile of books

immortal sennin A'kyAś parody biographies wise men
The immortal (sennin) Okyo A parody of biographies of wise men by courtesans: a series of seven prints (series title) Keisei mitate ressenden - nanaban no uchi (series title on object)

Bust portrait courtesan Kisegawa Matsubaya house
Bust portrait of the courtesan Kisegawa from the Matsubaya house. Matsubaya uchi Kisegawa (title on object) The seven Komachi from the pleasure houses (series title)

Bust portrait courtesan Shinowara Tsuruya house
Bust portrait of the courtesan Shinowara from the Tsuruya house. Tsuruya uchi Shinowara (title on object) The seven Komachi from the pleasure houses (series title)

courtesan Sayokinu Yotsumeya Yotsumeya uchi Sayokinu
The courtesan Sayokinu from the Yotsumeya Yotsumeya uchi Sayokinu (title on object) Model patterns of early spring leaves (series title) Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyo (series title on object)

A geisha leans box shamisen geisha reads letter
A geisha leans on the box of her shamisen, A geisha reads a letter by candlelight, while she leans against the chest containing her shamisen (stringed instrument)

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"Hetaera: The Enigmatic World of Ancient Courtesans" Step into the captivating world of hetaerae, where beauty and intellect intertwine in a delicate dance. From the Takikawa Hanaogi Ogiya house to the alluring halls of Mirror, these courtesans held sway over hearts and minds. In Alcibiades amongst the hetaerae, depicted on oil canvas, we witness the power these enchantresses possessed. Socrates himself sought out Alcibiades in the house of a Hetaera, recognizing their influence on society's elite. During symposiums, two young men found themselves entertained by Hetairai - their wit and charm leaving an indelible mark on those present. Jean-Bernard Restout's painting "The Pleasures Of Anacreon" transports us to this lively gathering. Phryne before the Areopagus captures a pivotal moment when a courtesan's fate hangs in balance. Jean-Leon Gerome masterfully portrays her vulnerability amidst powerful judges. Ancient love-making is immortalized in Shuvalov Painter's Oinochoe artwork - a naked girl climbing onto a boy's lap symbolizing desire and passion that transcends time. Aspasia surrounded by Greek philosophers showcases Michel Corneille Jr. 's artistic genius as he brings together great thinkers who were captivated by this influential courtesan’s intellect. Not limited to mere entertainment, some hetaerae displayed remarkable talents beyond their allure. A courtesan writes range poetry while an oiran servant assists her - highlighting their multifaceted abilities. Paradee Courisane mesmerizes with her kimono adorned with intricate designs; she embodies elegance and grace under blossoming cherry trees. Two other courtesans cast sidelong glances beneath these majestic blooms - secrets hidden behind seductive smiles. Lastly, two title objects come alive as men and geisha dance on stage, their movements illuminated by lanterns.