Nose rivier in Ômi, nummer twee 1832

Utagawa Sadakage created this woodblock print, titled ‘Nose rivier in Ômi, nummer twee,’ likely during the 19th century, a time when Japan was undergoing significant social and cultural changes. The print depicts a scene with two figures, a man and a woman, set against a detailed landscape. Consider the role of women in Japanese society during this period, often represented in art as objects of beauty or symbols of domesticity. Here, she is standing tall, dressed in fine clothing, and carrying a fan. What narrative is Sadakage constructing around gender and class? The man is depicted in a state of undress, seemingly caught off guard. How does his vulnerability challenge traditional representations of masculinity? This image evokes questions about power dynamics, desire, and the disruption of social norms. Through this emotionally charged encounter, Sadakage invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships.