Eerste parade van de nieuwe shinzo`s 1804

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print called 'Eerste parade van de nieuwe shinzo`s'. During the Edo period in Japan, art became a vibrant reflection of urban life and culture. This print offers a glimpse into the world of the Shinzo, apprentice courtesans, and their place within society. Here, we see them parading, likely on their way to entertain. Notice how Utamaro captures the intricate details of their elaborate costumes and hairstyles. The garments suggest the status and the performative aspect of their identities. These women, often from poor backgrounds, navigated complex social dynamics. While they were admired for their beauty and talent, their lives were also subject to strict rules and expectations. Utamaro’s work invites us to consider the lives of these women, and the intersections of gender, class, and artistry in shaping their roles within Japanese society.