The Life of an Amorous Woman
1963 edition | |
| Author | Ihara Saikaku |
|---|---|
| Original title | Kōshoku ichidai onna |
| Translator | Ivan Morris |
| Language | Japanese |
Publication date | 1686 |
| Publication place | Japan |
Published in English | 1963 |
| Media type | |
The Life of an Amorous Woman (好色一代女, Kōshoku ichidai onna) is a Japanese short novel by Ihara Saikaku which depicts the ukiyo ("floating world") of Edo period Japan. It was first published in Osaka in 1686, consisting of six volumes each divided into four chapters. The Life of an Amorous Woman is written in the first person from the female protagonist's perspective, and shows, in contrast to Ihara's previous works, the darker and materialistic side of kōshoku ("passion").