A New Record Comparing the Handwriting of the Courtesans of the Yoshiwara

Kitao Masanobu, “A New Record Comparing the Handwriting of the Courtesans of the Yoshiwara,” 1784, Woodblock print, ink and color on paper, 14 15/16 x 10 ¼ in

This image is significant because it is more casual and shows courtesans perfecting their talents. It is from a series that shows different courtesans’ handwriting, which was related to the education they received from the Yoshiwara. This image is relaxed, as the women are all sitting comfortably and the room is somewhat disheveled. There’s a tray of food on the ground, a bunch of brushes and paper on the table, and they all seem to be talking with one another. This showed yet another side to courtesans’ lifestyles because they spent a lot of time learning and mastering different skills to show off to Yoshiwara patrons. They also had relationships with one another, even though it was often competitive between courtesans. Courtesans learned from older girls, and helped out when they were first sold to the Yoshiwara.