Beautiful Courtesan Motoura

This print depicts a courtesan and a young apprentice in Shinagawa pleasure district. Unlike the famous Yoshiwara pleasure quarter, which was authorized by the Tokugawa Shogunate, Shinagawa quarter prospered as unauthorized facilities. A long kiseru (Japanese pipe) and a tobacco tray were necessities for courtesans in those days. Since Shinagawa district is located near the sea, various ships can be seen in this print.