Shaving a Boy's Head c. 1801

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print, "Shaving a Boy's Head," in Japan. The work provides a glimpse into the Edo period, a time marked by relative peace and the flourishing of urban culture. Utamaro, known for his portraits of women, here shifts focus to a domestic scene. A man carefully shaves a baby's head, while the child is cradled by a woman, possibly his mother, in an intimate moment. This act of shaving wasn't merely practical; it was a cultural tradition, a rite of passage for young boys. The shaved head, or "chonmage," was a common hairstyle for males of all social classes. The print invites us to consider gender roles within the family and the importance of lineage. Utamaro skillfully captures the tenderness of the parents and the vulnerability of the child. The lines and soft colors lend an emotional depth to the scene. The figures are not merely subjects, but participants in a complex interplay of care and tradition. In its quiet way, the artwork speaks volumes about the values and customs of the time, offering a rare look into the private sphere of family life.