Spring Pastimes

A wakashu is with an older male client on top engaging in a romantic and sexual encounter as the wakashū shows more of a submissive or passive act, in line with their usual behavior with men and representative of a more feminine persona, and allowing the male client to do as he pleases. We can see color playing a prominent role in how the wakashū dressed, in a colorful kimono with a hint of red peeking underneath the fabric and red on the lips, vastly contrasting from their partner. Red was alluring for male clients in the Yoshiwara district and commonly worn by courtesans so we can see the wakashū creating a more seductive appearance for the older male and embracing an effeminate identity.

Annie Wen