Street Musicians c. 1790 - 1800

Here we see ‘Street Musicians’, an ink and colour woodblock print by Noritei Kôshi. It offers a glimpse into the Edo period in Japan, a time marked by economic growth, strict social order, and flourishing arts. This print illustrates the lives of marginalized street performers. Often these artists operated outside the strict social hierarchies of the time, making their living through music and performance. These figures challenge conventional gender roles, especially when women took to the streets to perform, subverting expectations of female domesticity. The print captures the itinerant nature of these performers. With their faces obscured by hats, they become symbols of anonymity and resilience in a society that often overlooked them. The inclusion of text, likely poetry or song lyrics, adds another layer, hinting at the stories and emotions conveyed through their performances. 'Street Musicians' offers a poignant reflection on identity, survival, and the power of art to transcend social barriers.