The Courtesan Hanaōgi of the Ōgiya Brothel (Ōgiya Hanaōgi), from the series Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters as Six Floral Immortals (Seirō bijin rokkasen)

Dimensions: Vertical ōban; Image: 14 9/16 × 9 7/8 in. (37 × 25.1 cm)

This print shows a different aspect of the courtesans of Yoshiwara than most other images. This depicts a courtesan, who appears to be higher ranking based upon the way she is dressed and the manner in which her hair is styled. This courtesan is at her desk, practicing her calligraphy and seems to be writing a poem. This would also be considered a form of the male gaze when looking at this from this particular perspective since in this district, women and courtesans frequently performed such activities when meeting with a client or companion. The aspect of her being a higher ranking courtesan, also plays into the male gaze aspect since the Oiran (highest ranking courtesan) was most frequently sought after.

Alexandra Walters