Twelve Hours of Spring Pleasures: Hour of the Goat - Utagawa Kunisada

A traditional Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada depicting a courtesan and her attendant during the afternoon hours.

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada belongs to the series 'Twelve Hours of Spring Pleasures', which depicts the daily activities of courtesans in the Yoshiwara district. The 'Hour of the Goat' corresponds to the early afternoon, a time when the atmosphere in the pleasure quarters was relatively relaxed. The central figure is a high-ranking courtesan, identifiable by her elaborate hairstyle adorned with numerous hairpins. She is seated on the floor, engaged in a game of cards with a young attendant. The composition is typical of Kunisada's later work, featuring clear outlines and a balanced arrangement of figures against a flat, green background.

In the upper portion of the print, a smaller inset scene provides context for the time of day. It shows a group of people observing a performance or event through a slatted window, adding a layer of narrative depth to the primary subject. Beside this inset, a red, bell-shaped clock tower serves as a visual marker for the specific hour. The courtesan wears a dark kimono with a circular pattern, contrasting with the bright green, patterned garment of her companion. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Edo period woodblock printing process, with distinct colour blocks and fine line work defining the facial features and textile designs.

Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, was a prolific designer of ukiyo-e prints. His work often focused on kabuki actors and beautiful women, capturing the fashion and social customs of the time. This print offers a glimpse into the structured life of the Yoshiwara, where time was marked by specific activities and rituals. The use of space and the inclusion of secondary narrative elements are characteristic of the series, which aimed to document the passage of time through the lens of leisure and entertainment.