Secrets of Ladies Toilet (Joshi fÅ«zoku keshō hiden) in 3 volumes 

Curator: These three volumes, "Secrets of Ladies Toilet" by Hayami Shungyosai, are fascinating. They offer a glimpse into the world of female beauty rituals. Editor: They seem so delicate. What can you tell me about them? Curator: These books, likely from the late 19th century, reflect not just aesthetics but also social expectations and gender roles. How do you think the illustrations might have empowered or restricted women? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It's more than just makeup; it's about societal pressures. Curator: Precisely. This work invites us to consider how beauty practices are intertwined with cultural and political narratives. It makes me wonder about our own beauty standards today. Editor: I'll definitely think about beauty in a new light now. Curator: Excellent. I am happy to have been a part of this journey with you.