During the Edo period (1603 - 1868); the Japanese clock was divided into twelve units of time; or 鈥榟ours'; with each one named after one of the zodiacal symbols of the lunar calendar; and with the day being divided up into six daytime hours and six night-time hours.

This woodblock print is taken from Kitagawa Utamaro's 1794-1795 ukiyo-e series 'Twelve Hours of the Green Rooms'; sometimes styled 'Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara'; featuring everyday events in the lives of courtesans in Edo's Yoshiwara pleasure district.

The Hour of the Monkey is around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Before the start of the night shift; it is time for the parade of courtesans of the highest rank in Nakanocho; the central artery of Yoshiwara. The courtesan here; belonging to this elite; appears in all her sumptuous attire. She is escorted by an apprentice courtesan. Pictures From History