A masterpiece of a humorous story written by a connoisseur of Yoshiwara. Santo Toden is the guide to the love affairs of courtesans.

This is a tale of the tactics of Shin Yoshiwara, written by Santo Kyoden, the ultimate connoisseur who bought the freedom of two courtesans. A humorous story from the late Edo period. Published in 1790 (Kansei 2).

This illustration depicts the Chinese immortal Kinko Sennin, said to have skillfully ridden carp (gentlemen), as a courtesan.

This masterpiece depicts conversations between various courtesans and courtesans in four separate scenes, with detailed, sharp observations and clever, sharp, and humorous portrayals of the tricks, techniques, and emotions of men and women in entertainment and romance.

The illustrations are divided into “Shitsumo Te,” “Yasuite Te,” “Senuketa Te,” and “Shintetsu Te.” They vividly and humorously depict conversations in the bedrooms of courtesans of different ranks from the main and small shops of Yoshiwara, and their customers. Even those who have never been to Yoshiwara will feel as if they have learned about the tricks and tactics of Yoshiwara entertainment. This is a masterpiece of humorous humor, with a theme of pleasure quarters, making full use of Sankyoden’s experience.

keiseikai shijūhatte
Written and illustrated by Santo Kyoden
Published by Tsutaya Juzaburo and Koshodo
Year of Publication: 1790 (Kansei 2)
The Ukiyo-e Cafe’s collection features two originals from Koshodo. While most universities only have one copy, our store stocks two versions: one with two copies and one with one copy.