One of the most dominant strains of ukiyo-e in the early 19th century concerned itself with depictions of prostitutes and geisha, the denizens and queens of pleasure quarters such as the Yoshiwara in old Edo. A symbiosis between art and life helped form a new cult of the courtesan, an idealised icon whose skills in love-making were matched only by her sophistication, wit and elegance. Empire of the Senses contains an extensive selection of courtesan portraits and triptychs by artists ranging from Choki and Eisho to Kunichika, Kunisada II, Kyosai and others.
