Print 1800 - 1861

This is a woodblock print made by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, an artist active in Japan during the 19th century. The print offers a glimpse into the lives of women within the cultural milieu of the Edo period. At first glance, we see a woman seated beside what appears to be a screen or partition. The expression on her face seems to convey a sense of apprehension. This print invites us to consider the role of women in 19th century Japanese society, marked by rigid social hierarchies and expectations, particularly within the domestic sphere. It is important to consider the emotional landscape of women during this era, navigating expectations of propriety and duty. Kuniyoshi’s work invites reflection on the intimate, often unspoken aspects of women’s lives. It also subtly challenges traditional representations by presenting the nuanced realities of women's emotional experiences.