Monkey trainer c. 1755

Ishikawa Toyonobu created this print, titled "Monkey Trainer", using woodblock printing techniques. The Edo period in Japan, during which Toyonobu lived and worked, was a time of relative peace and economic growth. Here we see a woman, possibly a street performer, walking with a monkey perched on a drum, which is slung over her shoulder. The popularity of such prints coincided with the rise of the merchant class, who sought representations of everyday life and entertainment. What does it mean to depict a woman in what might be considered a traditionally masculine role, interacting with animals and commerce in the public sphere? Such images offered alternative narratives, challenging traditional gender roles, even while conforming to popular tastes. The detailed patterns on the woman's kimono, the delicate rendering of her face, and the dynamic composition all contribute to the artwork's emotional and aesthetic impact. It speaks to societal issues of gender, class, and the negotiation of identity.