Women of a Public Bathhouse, Yuna

Once in the 17th century when contemporary customs and events became an important theme, works by machi-eshi gained popularity and the painting style evolved from depicting people in mass to a few characters in a group. This screen depicts service women in bathhouses popular during the Kan’ei era ( 1624 - 44 ). These women rubbed the bodies of the clients and entertained them. Here they are depicted walking outside showing a vitality that distinguishes them from the elegant idealized beauties of the ensuing Kanbun era ( 1661 - 72 ).