Social / Japan Yoshivara
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Social / Japan Yoshivara
Scene in the Yoshivara : a passer-by, right, chats up the girls while hiding his face, a masked buffoon hails a young man who is doubtless seeking female companionship
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4359688
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10084707
1803 Buffoon Chats Companionship Doubtless Hiding Masked Passer Seeking Hails
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing photograph, titled "Scene in Yoshivara," offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of Japan during the late 19th century. The image captures a lively scene on the streets of Yoshivara, a popular entertainment district in Kyoto known for its teahouses, geisha houses, and other pleasurable diversions. In the foreground, a young man, dressed in Western-style clothing, is seen engrossed in conversation with a group of women. His attire and demeanor suggest that he is seeking female companionship, perhaps for the evening. The women, dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos, listen intently to his words, their expressions revealing a mix of amusement and interest. Behind the young man, a masked buffoon, or rakugo performer, hails him with an outstretched hand. Rakugo was a popular form of comedic storytelling in Japan at the time, and performers like this one would often use exaggerated gestures and masks to entertain their audiences. The buffoon's presence in the scene adds an element of humor and lightheartedness to the otherwise serious business of courtship. To the right, a passerby, his face obscured by a mask or a fan, watches the scene unfold with a knowing smile. It is unclear whether he is a fellow suitor or simply an amused onlooker. The masked figure adds an air of mystery to the scene, hinting at the complex social intrigues and hidden motivations that lay beneath the surface of Japanese society during this era. Overall, this photograph provides a fascinating window into the social customs and mores of Japan during the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into the world of courtship, entertainment, and intrigue that defined the Yoshivara district.
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