Bloeiende heg 1887 - 1896

Ogata Gekko made this woodblock print titled 'Flowering Hedge', now at the Rijksmuseum, at the turn of the 20th century. The image depicts a stylish woman in a kimono holding an umbrella, walking past a hedge with flowering plants. It was created during the Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan, which saw the development of a consumer culture in big cities. Woodblock prints, known as ukiyo-e, became popular as a way to depict and celebrate these new trends and fashions. The print reflects this shift, showing a contemporary woman who represents a new urban ideal. The attention to detail in the woman's kimono and hairstyle, as well as the carefully rendered flowering hedge, suggest a focus on beauty and the pleasures of modern life. We can use sources on the history of fashion and urban development in Meiji-era Japan to learn more about its social and cultural context. By examining these elements, we can better understand the social forces that shaped this artwork.