Moon of the pleasure quarters, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon

A courtesan, recognisable by her 'geta' (very high clogs), is taking an evening walk to enjoy the cherry blossoms in moonlight with her 'kamuro' (child attendant). Edo’s licensed pleasure quarter, the Yoshiwara, was famous for its central avenue lined on both sides with cherry trees and offering a spectacular view when in full bloom. In Japanese culture cherry blossoms are celebrated for their transitory beauty. Courtesans, whose fame was short-lived as their beauty succumbed to the passing of time, are also nicknamed 'yozakura', or 'night cherry blossoms'.