Courtesan abuse from a series pre-print drawings of scenes in a bordello (1786-1864)

This image provided by the Nagoya City Museum, is part of a series of pre-print drawings created by Utagawa Toyokuni (1786-1864) depicting pregnancy, diagnosis, punishment, and abortion. This relates to the grotesque art genre displaying shocking and graphic images of suffering courtesans. Their faces and bodies contorted with horror are intended to initiate shock and discomfort in the viewer. Several scenes within the image depict courtesans being tied down, abused by cruel yarite (older chaperones), forcefully examined and even violently struck with a sword, the figural drawings create an emotionally tumultuous tone. The identifications of courtesans can be viewed by the attire of the women, with the obi tied to the front in order to provide easier access to undress. The significance points toward dark aspects holding employment as a courtesan and the potential maltreatment one could face. Yet direct accounts of courtesan narratives are not recorded, their stories remain muted, however it was considered very undesirable to get pregnant as a courtesan, and this image depicts potential horrific consequences. This series by Toyokuni was never recorded to be made into finalized prints, due to the censorship enforced by the Tenpō Reform.