Rijstplantende vrouw 1878 - 1882

This print of a woman planting rice was made by Shibata Zeshin during the late Edo or early Meiji period in Japan. Zeshin's work provides valuable insights into the social transformations that occurred during this transitional era. During the Edo period, Japanese society was strictly divided into a hierarchical class system, with farmers, like the woman depicted here, forming the base of the social pyramid. As Japan opened its doors to the West and modernized, these social structures began to evolve, leading to shifts in cultural values and artistic expression. The presence of this woman in the field tells a story of hard labor and the backbone of Japan's economy. Examining Zeshin’s work through a social and historical lens enriches our understanding. We can look at the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, offering a nuanced perspective on the socio-political climate of the time.