(O_hara Wood Sellers and a child on a cow) c. 19th century

"O_hara Wood Sellers and a child on a cow" is a woodblock print made by Teisai Hokuba in the 18th century. Hokuba, a student of the famous Hokusai, captures a scene that reflects the lives of women and children within the socio-economic structures of the Edo period. Here, the weight of labor is borne by women, who are depicted carrying heavy loads, while a child finds a moment of play atop a cow. This juxtaposition invites us to consider the divergent experiences of childhood and womanhood. The intimate portrayal contrasts with conventional representations of women in art, offering a glimpse into the realities of working-class women. There is an emotional undercurrent of resilience and everyday life; the image is both a documentary and a tender observation. It shapes our understanding of Japanese society, referencing the emotional and personal dimensions of daily life.