Vrouw stemt een biwa c. 1823

Yashima Gakutei created this woodblock print titled "Vrouw stemt een biwa" which translates to Woman tuning a biwa, during the 19th century in Japan. The print depicts a seated woman in a private moment, tuning a biwa, a traditional Japanese lute. The image encapsulates the intersection of gender and artistic expression within the cultural context of the Edo period. Historically, musical expression allowed women to pursue a form of agency within the confines of societal expectations. The woman's focus and the intimate setting suggest a sense of personal freedom through artistic practice. She is not merely a subject of aesthetic admiration but an active participant in creating art. Her poised stance and concentrated gaze reflect the emotional and personal connection to the instrument, and hints at the complexities of female identity in the social environment of 19th century Japan.