An impressive collection of postcards which chart the highs and lows of Yoshiwara, as well as scenes from other lesser-known entertainment districts.
As well Yoshiwara in Tokyo, the postcards also show geisha in Shimabara of Kyoto, Shinmachi and Matsushima in Osaka, Fukuhara in Kobe, and the pleasure quarter in Moji harbour (Kyushu). Together they form a fascinating insight into these historical areas and the long tradition of entertainers, many of whom would also engage in sex work. The postcards are important photographic records of these women from different parts of Japan, and document the culture of entertainment in the Meiji period, when Japan was no longer isolated from the outside world.
Across the two albums are several vibrant portraits, group shots with attendants and festival processions. The Yukaku pleasure districts consisted of a large number of women and their attendants ranging from shinzo (teenage attendants), tayu (courtesans), and oiran (highest rank). Of particular interest are the portraits of individual geisha wearing elaborate kimonos, obis, and hairpieces with large combs and hairpins (kanzashi). Today, there are far fewer geisha and maiko (essentially geisha-in-training), but one can spot them from time to time in the Gion district of Kyoto in their wonderful, traditional finery.
On April 9th 1911, a large fire broke out inside the Yoshiwara which completely destroyed the area. Photographers recorded the event and a series of postcards were produced, showing the start of the fire, the firefighting operations and the aftermath. Around 6000 people worked in the compound of which 300 were killed. Some of the photos show rather gruesome scenes of the wreckage, which at the time were not subject to censorship.
