A Woman Tying up a Curtain, a Flower Arrangement of Chrysanthemums in a Boat-shaped Hanging Vase, and Narcissus Arranged in a Flower Vase 1795 - 1815

Utagawa Toyohiro's woodblock print presents a domestic scene of a woman arranging her home with flowers. Made in Japan, likely in the early 19th century, this work subtly reflects the social conditions of the Edo period. The presence of elaborate floral arrangements indicates a level of economic stability, reflecting the tastes of the emerging merchant class. The woman's attire and activity suggest a focus on cultivating a refined, private sphere, separate from the public duties of men. This print is made at a time when Japanese society was highly stratified and governed by strict social rules. By focusing on domestic life and aesthetic pursuits, the artwork may subtly comment on these social structures, offering a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. To fully appreciate such works, historians often consult period literature, social histories, and records of artistic patronage to understand the interplay between art, social class, and cultural values. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we can better understand how art both reflected and shaped the social norms of its time.