Votive Offering c. 1780s

Katsukawa Shunchō’s diptych "Votive Offering" captures a bustling scene using woodblock print techniques. The scene depicts a group of people, largely women, visiting a shrine. Created in Japan, Shunchō's work offers a glimpse into the cultural practices of the Edo period. The print utilizes visual codes to convey social hierarchies and gender roles within Japanese society. The elegant clothing, elaborate hairstyles, and accessories worn by the women suggest a certain level of social status and adherence to cultural norms. But Shunchō's work transcends a simple depiction of customs. By focusing on the lives of women, it offers an interesting view of the social structures of its time. Was he conservative, or was he progressive? The historian might ask: what was the role of women in Japanese society at this time? To understand the full meaning of this work, we need to investigate the art’s social and institutional context.