Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858)
Onmayagashi
From the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868), 1857
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Gift of James A. Michener, 1991
(28776)

Two street prostitutes (yotaka; literally, "night hawks"), their faces covered with white makeup, patiently wait as a ferryman escorts them across the Sumida River to the landing in Onmayagashi district. An 1845 survey of prostitution throughout the capital lists ninety-nine yotaka , including six who were based in Onmayagashi.