A Courtesan with Her Client, the first sheet of an untitled erotic picture album

Art Historical Context

Hishikawa Moronobuc. 1618–1694), a pioneering figure in ukiyo-e—the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated Japan's vibrant urban life during the Edo period—created *A Courtesan with Client*, the first sheet of an untitled erotic picture around 1673–81. This woodblock print an intimate encounter in the Yoshiwara pleasure district, Tokyo's famed red-light area, where courtesans embodied beauty, wit, and transience. Moronobu's work captures the allure of these "floating world" pleasures, blending sensuality with everyday elegance. Printed as a *sumizuri-e* (monochrome ink on paper) in the large horizontal *oban yoko-e* format (27.2 × 38.3 cm), the artwork showcases early mastery of woodblock techniques. Subtle gradations of black ink and precise carving evoke texture—from flowing kimonos to soft skin—without color, heightening the focus on form and emotion. This restrained eroticism, known as *shunga*, was privately cherished among elites, reflecting societal fascination with love and desire amid strict Confucian morals. Moronobu's innovative compositions helped popularize ukiyo-e, paving the way for later masters like Utamaro and Hokusai. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this print offers a window into 17th-century Japan's hidden passions, inviting visitors to ponder the artistry behind its bold gaze.

About the Artist

Hishikawa Moronobu

Hishikawa Moronobu (1618–1694) holds an unassailable position in Japanese art history as the founder of ukiyo-e, the 'pictures of the floating world' that would become Japan's most internationally recognized art form. Born in the provincial town of Yasuda during the early Edo period, Moronobu transformed woodblock printing from a purely utilitarian craft into an independent artistic medium, establ...