Yoshiwara courtesans entertaining a male client in a pleasure boat

Fusajiro Horiko, “Yoshiwara courtesans entertaining a male client in a pleasure boat”, ca. Unknown, prints, woodcuts, works on paper, 747mm (width), 353mm (height), Support: 747mm (width), 353mm (height)

This print depicts a pleasure boat that hosted many courtesans and wealthy patrons. These boats would be propelled by male navigators that would take the courtesans and patrons around the Yoshiwara district. It was seen to be an extravagant and expensive event to be a part of. Patrons would be charged based on how many courtesans they requested and what social class the courtesans were a part of. The highest level they could request would be the Tayu which were regarded as the most sophisticated courtesans with the highest levels of beauty and intellect. The Oiran was also considered to be a part of the Tayu social class. Under the Tayu was the Koshi which were second to the Tayu as they did not possess the same looks or artistic skills to be considered as part of the Tayu class. The lower-ranking Courtesans were regarded as the Sancha Joro which were known to be on the lower end of social status. In the image, it was most likely due to the number of courtesans and their attire they were Koshi level and above. Their attire consists of many layers within their kimonos and clothing.