Yujo Collection

Three samurai listen to a courtesan play the shamisen, as a kamuro brings food on a tray
FLO4630777 Three samurai listen to a courtesan play the shamisen, as a kamuro brings food on a tray. Woodblock print by Masanobu Okumura (1686-1764) from Fuzoku Emakimono

Fumi yomu yA'jo, Courtesan reading a letter. Torii, Kiyomitsu, 1735-1785, artist, [between 1757 and 1783, printed later], 1 print : woodcut, color; 29 x 12.3 cm

YA'jo to shinzAc Sugegasa o kaburu onna. Courtesan and attendant; Woman wearing a straw hat. Torii, Kiyonaga, 1752-1815, artist, [ca

Okumura masanobu no kakejiku o miru yA'jo, Courtesans admiring a painting by Okumura Masanobu. Suzuki, Harunobu, 1725

ShAcki to yA'jo no aiaigasa, Shoki and a courtesan beneath an umbrella. Nishimura, Shigenobu, active 1730s-early 1740s, artist, Japan : Urogataya, [between 1726 and 1736], 1 print : woodcut

YA'jo to sinzou, A courtesan and her apprentice (Shinzo). Isoda, KoryA'sai, active 1764-1788, artist, [between 1774 and 1777], 1 print : woodcut, color; 68.5 x 11.8 cm

[igiya hanaAcgi yujo], Courtesan. Katsukawa, ShunchAc, active 1783-1821, artist, [between
[AIgiya hanaAcgi yujo], Courtesan. Katsukawa, ShunchAc, active 1783-1821, artist, [between 1786 and 1790], 1 print : woodcut, color; 64.7 x 12.4 cm

Daikoku to yA'jo, Daikoku and courtesan. Okumura, Masanobu, 1686-1764, artist, [between 1711 and 1716, printed later], 1 print : woodcut, color; 23.8 x 37.1 cm

Hototogisu o kiku yA'jo to kamuro, Courtesan and her attendant listening to a lark. Isoda, KoryA'sai, active 1764-1788, artist, [between 1772 and 1774], 1 print : woodcut

Tanzaku o motsu yA'jo, Courtesan holding a poem card (Tanzaku). Katsushika, Hokumei, artist, [between 1818 and 1830], 1 print : woodcut, color; 21.3 x 18.5 cm

Zashiki no yA'jo to kamuro, Courtesan and Kamuro in a parlour. Kitao, Shigemasa, 1739-1820, artist, [between 1764 and 1772], 1 print : woodcut, color; 27.9 x 20.5 cm

Yokohama no yAckan no yA'jo, Courtesans in a western-style building of Yokohama. Utagawa, Sadahide, 1807-1873, artist, 1861. 1 print : woodcut, color; 36.7 x 25.3 cm

Futon no ue no sinzou to sore o nagameru yA'jo, Courtesan watching a young apprentice in bed. Isoda, KoryA'sai, active 1764-1788

Futon no naka no yA'jo to kyaku, Suzuki, Harunobu, 1725?-1770. [between 1767 and 1770], 1 print : woodcut, color; 20.8 x 28.3 cm. Print shows a screen enclosing a man with a courtesan on a bed

Sandaime onoe kikugorAc no yA'jo, Onoe KikugorAc III as a courtesan. Utagawa, Toyokuni, 1786-1865, artist, [between ca. 1825 and 1830], 1 print : woodcut, color; 21 x 18.4 cm

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"Captivating Yujo: A Glimpse into the Enchanting World of Courtesans" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the alluring world of yujo, as depicted through captivating woodblock prints from the Edo period. In one scene, three samurai are entranced by the mesmerizing melodies of a courtesan playing the shamisen, while a kamuro delicately brings food on a tray. In another interior setting, we witness a yujo and her attendant heating water, their graceful movements hinting at an intimate bond forged over time. The Edo period comes alive as we observe a yujo accompanied by a young kamuro girl, their elegant attire reflecting societal hierarchies and traditions. The allure of these enigmatic figures continues to captivate us as we encounter a yujo with a pipe, exuding an air of mystery and sophistication. Another image reveals her reclining gracefully while engrossed in reading musical scores – showcasing not only her beauty but also her refined taste for arts. The complexities of their lives unfold further as we witness a courtesan engrossed in reading a letter – perhaps filled with secrets or declarations of love. And yet another scene portrays two courtesans admiring an exquisite painting by Okumura Masanobu - highlighting their appreciation for artistry beyond their own talents. A moment frozen in time shows Shoki, known for his protective powers against evil spirits, sharing an umbrella with a courtesan - symbolizing both vulnerability and strength intertwined within this intriguing profession. Lastly, we glimpse into the relationship between mentor and apprentice as we encounter a seasoned courtesan guiding her young shinzo towards mastery. These glimpses into the world offer us insight into an era where beauty was revered and intellect celebrated.