The Floating World Takes Shape

Torii Kiyomasu I (attributed)

Courtesan from the Myōgaya House

c. 1712

Woodblock print (tan-e); ink and color on paper, 31.1 × 15.2 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

A standing courtesan reads a poem slip; the inscription likens her to Ono no Komachi, the classical woman poet.

• Her poem slip breaks off mid-line; its plum blossoms by a window hint at spring hope.
• The comparison flattered the literary skill of many Yoshiwara courtesans.
• Large ginger (myōga) shapes on her robes advertise her house.

Image: The Met Open Access · Public domain (Met Open Access)