Ochtendmist 1912

Ôta Saburô created this woodcut print, entitled Ochtendmist, which translates to Morning Mist, at an unknown date. Saburô lived through a period of considerable change in Japan, as it transitioned into a more modern, industrialized society. This print depicts a woman in what appears to be a moment of quiet contemplation. She is dressed in a kimono, kneeling as she plays the shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. Her downcast gaze encourages a reading that focuses on the emotional, and the personal, rather than the performative. During Saburô’s lifetime, the role of women in Japanese society was slowly evolving, with more opportunities for education and participation in public life. However, traditional expectations and gender roles still largely defined their experiences. Saburô’s choice to depict a woman in a moment of artistic expression might be seen as a subtle nod towards the changing roles of women in Japanese society during this time. The soft colors and delicate lines of the woodcut evoke a sense of intimacy.