Hairdresser Gorôhachi carrying a portable case c. 1812 - 1815

This woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I depicts the hairdresser Gorôhachi carrying his kit, and offers us a glimpse into the social fabric of Japan in the late 18th or early 19th century. The print’s subject is a humble worker. Yet the artist's keen observation elevates him, capturing a sense of his place in society. Woodblock prints like this one were a popular art form. They catered to a broad urban audience with an interest in theater, fashion, and the lives of everyday people. The vertical format, the stylized depiction of the figure, and the flat planes of color are all visual codes of the Ukiyo-e tradition. Understanding this print requires us to look beyond its surface. Research into the social history of the Edo period can reveal the significance of the hairdresser's role, the cultural values associated with personal grooming, and the economic structures that supported the production and consumption of art. By exploring these contexts, we can gain a richer understanding of the print and its place in Japanese society.