The Floating World Takes Shape

Kaigetsudō Anchi

Courtesan Walking

c. 1714

Hand-colored woodblock print, 55.2 × 28.8 cm. The Art Institute of Chicago

Wind lifts a tall courtesan's robe, its fabric written over with a poem.

• Look inside the robe: the poem's author is pictured on the lining.
• The Art Institute contrasts its freedom with the rule-bound religious images of its day.
• In early courtesan prints the costume drew as much attention as the face.

Image: Art Institute of Chicago open access · CC0