Bunya no Yasuhide c. 1845

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print called 'Bunya no Yasuhide,' sometime in the 19th century. Here, Kunisada presents a fashionable woman in a moment of private reflection, perhaps commenting on the role of women and the societal expectations placed upon them in Edo-period Japan. The print’s visual language is rich with cultural references. The title refers to a Heian period nobleman and poet. The fan, the incense, the book all hint at the cultural milieu of the educated elite. These symbols, deeply embedded in Japanese society, were powerful markers of status and taste, particularly for women navigating a complex social landscape. Understanding this work requires delving into the complex social and institutional history of Japan, and the ways in which art both reflected and shaped those structures. We might consult historical records, literary texts, and other visual materials to gain a deeper appreciation of Kunisada’s work.