Artwork Page for Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō

Details / Information for Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō

Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō

仲之町の花魁道中

c. 1790

Utagawa Toyokuni 歌川 豊国

(Japanese, 1769–1825)
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Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Each: 37.8 x 25.8 cm (14 7/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore 1930.211
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Nakanochō was the main street in Yoshiwara, a famous walled pleasure district that housed as many as 4,000 courtesans. In the early evening, elaborately dressed courtesans accompanied by attendants promenaded on the central thoroughfare, as in this scene. The open buildings with shop curtains hanging from their eaves are teahouses, establishments where men could arrange appointments with courtesans of the more prestigious brothels.
A horizontal triptych of woodblock prints in muted colors comprises three panels. From left to right, the first panel features figures with light skin tones in patterned black and tan kimonos. Across the center and right panels, groups in black, orange, and gray walk past wooden buildings that recede toward a distant gate. Japanese calligraphy and red seals mark the bottom of each panel against the beige background of the street.

Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō

c. 1790

Utagawa Toyokuni

(Japanese, 1769–1825)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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