Parade van drie mannen en een vrouw 1805 - 1882

This woodblock print of unknown date was made by Matsukawa Hanzan in Japan. It depicts a woman in elaborate dress being carried, or perhaps escorted, by three men. The print offers a window into the social hierarchies of 19th-century Japan. Visually, the image creates meaning through the contrast between the woman, adorned in a beautiful kimono, and the men, who appear to be servants or porters. This contrast underscores the social stratification of the time. The presence of written text adds another layer of meaning, potentially offering commentary on the scene or the social dynamics it portrays. To truly understand this print, we might delve into the history of Japanese printmaking, the role of women in Japanese society, and the economic structures that supported such displays of status. Such investigation will reveal the complex interplay between art, society, and power.