Suzuki Harunobu (1725-1770) | Mane'emon, No. 5 (Mane'emon go) | Edo period, 18th century

This print depicts an amorous encounter between two men – an attractive young onnagata (female role specialists for the kabuki theatre) and his client. During the Edo period onnagata would work as prostitutes in the teahouses near kabuki theatres.

As noted by Rosina Buckland, the small figure spying on the scene, Mane’emon, comments ‘Good heavens, the method of having male sex involves some elaborate armwork’. See: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_OA-0-88