Vrouw bezig met stof te vervilten 1832

Utagawa Sadakage created this woodblock print, "Woman Engaged in Felting Cloth," sometime in the 19th century. This piece comes to us from a time when Japanese society was highly stratified, and gender roles were clearly defined. Here, a woman is depicted engaged in the craft of felting, while a man sits passively nearby. Consider the cultural implications of depicting a woman engaged in domestic labor. Does this image reinforce traditional gender roles, or does it offer a more nuanced portrayal of women's work? The act of felting, a practical and often communal activity, connects the woman to a history of craft and skill. Yet the male figure looms, perhaps representing the societal structures that both confine and observe her. Through the intimate portrayal of labor, we are invited to reflect on the complex interplay between gender, work, and identity in 19th century Japan. The artwork reflects the emotional and personal dimensions of daily life.