1822 (ca.), Utagawa Hiroshige, Geese Alighting on Rice Fields and the Evening Bell When Parting Ways
A yujo (female sex worker or courtesan) reclines on a double mattress.
Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), one of the most popular print subjects, often contained playful references. Here the geese alight on fields near the brothel district and the evening bell indicates the end of the customer's session. Both motifs come from a theme in classical Chinese poetry and painting called the 'Eight Views'.
1822 (ca.), Utagawa Hiroshige, Geese Alighting on Rice Fields and the Evening Bell When Parting Ways
A yujo (female sex worker or courtesan) reclines on a double mattress.
Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), one of the most popular print subjects, often contained playful references. Here the geese alight on fields near the brothel district and the evening bell indicates the end of the customer's session. Both motifs come from a theme in classical Chinese poetry and painting called the 'Eight Views'.