'Women of the Pleasure Quarters: A Japanese Painted Screen' Review

Located in London’s famous British Museum, this rare and exquisite screen is one of the last of its kind remaining as it reflects the life of courtesans (female sex workers) at Kado-Tamaya, the Jewel House on the Corner, in Yoshiwara, a licensed pleasure quarter in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the early 1780s.

The Edo Era (also referred to as the Tokugawa Period) which lasted from 1600 to 1868, was an era of great military influence which promoted the respect of the elderly, duty and hard work but a ‘floating world’ (ukiyo) existed whereby one could relieve themselves of the everyday burdens that they carried, as well the sexual desires that they had to suppress. A courtesan’s fee at these parlours depended on her rank within the house, and on whether it was a special day (monbi) – if it was the day of a festival.

A particular courtesan is depicted on this screen whose name also appears in a 1783 record – her name was Komurasaki; a prestigious name (myōseki) that she had achieved as a result of her high-rank within the house. Komurasaki was most probably a child servant when she joined the house, where she would have learnt the polite arts – that is, activities to prove her refinement, but also to please and woo future customers – such as; tea ceremonies, calligraphy and playing the shamisen.

Whilst observing the fine colours and quality of the screen, it is also possible to notice that one of the courtesans depicted on the screen is completely facing the viewer, contrary to the more common position where the face is viewed from the side.

There are few extant screens of this subject and in such good condition makes this an attraction to be seen by all. Until 3^rd November 2013, this small yet powerful exhibition is open and free to the public in Room 3 of the British Museum.

 

By Alex Syriopoulos