In Edo - the old name for the capital of Japan - the artist's quarter was known for its cross-cultural, classless community.
Men and women from all stations of society mixed together with artists, geisha, and samurai.
The most swashbuckling samurai were known for their sexual exploits with both men and women.
And women were considered artists as well as men.
It is interesting to note that this phenomenon developed in one of the world's most structured societies.
It was like an undercurrent or a release-valve for the pressures of a demanding culture.
Photo Credit: Ame Otoko Flickr via Compfight cc
(The image has been slightly modified.)
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