Refine your search

The results of your search are listed below alongside the search terms you entered on the previous page. You can refine your search by amending any of the parameters in the form and resubmitting it.

During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the hour of the Hare, around six o’clock in the morning. A courtesan holds a customer’s coat as he prepares to go home. This coat is adorned with a valuable lining embellished with a portrait of Bodhidharma (Japanese: Daruma), the patriarch of the Zen sect, painted by an artist of the Kano school, Suzuki Rinsho (1732 – 1803).
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Boar, around ten o’clock in the evening. This scene takes place in a banquet room of the house. The courtesan, very dignified, holds out ceremoniously a cup of sake to a customer. In striking contrast  her young assistant, leaning on the sake kettle, can no longer resist her fatigue at this late hour and falls asleep.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Snake, around ten o’clock. An apprentice indulges the courtesan, her mistress, by offering a bowl of tea as she finishes her bath.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

The hour of the Rat corresponds roughly to midnight. This is the moment that the courtesan puts on her night attire to join her client in bed, while her apprentice carefully folds the dress she wore earlier to attend the banquet.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

At the Hour of the Cock, around 6 o’clock in the evening, the night shift begins in the Green Houses. A courtesan has been summoned by a client. She is led by an employee of the establishment, who illuminates her path with a lantern.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the hour of the Hare, around six o’clock in the morning. A courtesan holds a customer’s coat as he prepares to go home. This coat is adorned with a valuable lining embellished with a portrait of Bodhidharma (Japanese: Daruma), the patriarch of the Zen sect, painted by an artist of the Kano school, Suzuki Rinsho (1732 – 1803).
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Boar, around ten o’clock in the evening. This scene takes place in a banquet room of the house. The courtesan, very dignified, holds out ceremoniously a cup of sake to a customer. In striking contrast  her young assistant, leaning on the sake kettle, can no longer resist her fatigue at this late hour and falls asleep.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the hour of the Ox, which begins around two o’clock in the morning. In the sleeping house, the courtesan is suddenly awakened by a call of nature. Still sleepy, she awkwardly puts on her straw sandals, arms herself with a roll of paper and a candle and goes to the bathroom.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

At the Hour of the Cock, around 6 o’clock in the evening, the night shift begins in the Green Houses. A courtesan has been summoned by a client. She is led by an employee of the establishment, who illuminates her path with a lantern.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the hour of the Hare, around six o’clock in the morning. A courtesan holds a customer’s coat as he prepares to go home. This coat is adorned with a valuable lining embellished with a portrait of Bodhidharma (Japanese: Daruma), the patriarch of the Zen sect, painted by an artist of the Kano school, Suzuki Rinsho (1732 – 1803).
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Horse, around noon. An apprentice delivers a letter to her mistress, who is ready to have her hair styled. The courtesan takes a quick look at the letter while filling her pipe. Her young assistant takes the opportunity to look in the mirror and adjust her own hair.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the hour of the Ox, which begins around two o’clock in the morning. In the sleeping house, the courtesan is suddenly awakened by a call of nature. Still sleepy, she awkwardly puts on her straw sandals, arms herself with a roll of paper and a candle and goes to the bathroom.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Dog, around 8 o’clock in the evening. In the salon in the front part of the house, a courtesan is writing a letter to one of her clients and whispers something in the ear of the young assistant who waits attentively by her side.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Dragon and the alarm rings for the residents of the house. It is time to wake up but the two apprentices, still drowsy from lack of sleep, steal a few extra moments of rest.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Sheep, around 2 o’clock in the afternoon. It is early and still quiet in Yoshiwara; customers are few and far between. At the extreme left of the composition, we can see a book and divination sticks placed on a square fabric. This detail suggests the presence of a soothsayer about to offer his predictions to the courtesan. During this consultation an apprentice amuses herself by reading the lines on the palm of the young assistant.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

The Hour of the Tiger is around four o’clock in the morning. Feeling hungry, a courtesan cooks a light snack on a brazier. She warms her shoulders with the coat of her client. Another courtesan also awake, joins her in moment of intimacy and friendly conversation
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Dog, around 8 o’clock in the evening. In the salon in the front part of the house, a courtesan is writing a letter to one of her clients and whispers something in the ear of the young assistant who waits attentively by her side.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Dragon and the alarm rings for the residents of the house. It is time to wake up but the two apprentices, still drowsy from lack of sleep, steal a few extra moments of rest.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

The Hour of the Monkey is around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Before the start of the night shift, it is time for the parade of courtesans of the highest rank in Nakanocho, the central artery of Yoshiwara. The courtesan here, belonging to this elite, appears in all her sumptuous attire. She is escorted by an apprentice courtesan.
During the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time, or ‘hours’, with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar, and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.<br/><br/>

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 <i>ukiyo-e</i> series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms', sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara', featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.<br/><br/>

It is the Hour of the Snake, around ten o’clock. An apprentice indulges the courtesan, her mistress, by offering a bowl of tea as she finishes her bath.