A Low Class Prostitute (Gun[Teppo]), from “Five Shades of Ink in the Nothern Quarter", Kitagawa Utamaro

A Low Class Prostitute (Gun[Teppo]), from “Five Shades of Ink in the Nothern Quarter” (Hokkoku goshiki-zumi) Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, ca. 1754-1806), Edo Period; 1789-1800, Color Woodblock Print; Oban, 37.9 x 25.1 cm

This woodblock print is also from the “Five Shades of Ink in the Northern Quarter'' series by Kitagawa Utamaro. This print specifically depicts a low-ranking prostitute as she engages in, what can be infered as, a sexual act. Her disheveled manner and exposed breast, along with the action of biting down on a cloth, indicates that she is considered flirtatious, erotic, ill-mannered, and therefore less desirable. Her messy hair and slouching position, all indicates her lack of culture, poise, and social status. However, along with all of the prints of this series it still categorizes her into a type, and therefore into an object which could be classified and chosen if it suited a man’s taste. Prostitution was one of the only options a women had for work, and brothels were everywhere, not only limited to the Yoshiwara district. This low-class prostitute showcases women’s lack of options, lack rights, and lack of autonomy and individualism. It Indicated that a woman's importance and even existence during this time was only in relation to their desirability and ability to be subservient to men.