Two Courtesans

Kitagawa Utamaro, Two Courtesans, ca. 1800, Polychrome woodblock print, 32.3 x 19.1 cm.

This work depicts two courtesans, one holding a shamisen and the other holding a hand-written text. This work really demonstrates how a courtesan’s intellect and skill in the arts such as music plays a major role in how beautiful they are in the eyes of their clients. Although their clothes are slightly disheveled, they are poised and give off an air of cultural refinement. These women are also wearing elaborate hair ornaments known as kanzashi that can also be used as an indicator of social rank among courtesans. Women of the pleasure districts are not only viewed as desirable for their physical appearance and dress. Intangible values of beauty such as refinement and culture contribute to the social ranking and beauty of a courtesan.