Japan: The oiran Konosumi holding a fan. Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753 - 31 October 1806), c. 1793. Oiran (花魁) were the courtesans of Edo period Japan (1600-1868). The oiran were considered a type of yūjo (遊女) 'woman of pleasure' or prostitute. However, they were distinguished from the yūjo in that they were entertainers, and many became celebrities of their times outside the pleasure districts. Their art and fashions often set trends among the wealthy and, because of this, cultural aspects of oiran traditions continue to be preserved to this day.

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Size: 3400px × 5289px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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