Presentatie van boeken en handrollen 1796 - 1865

Utagawa Kunisada created this colorful woodblock print, "Presentation of Books and Handscrolls," during the Edo period, a time when Japan was experiencing economic growth and cultural flourishing. The print offers a glimpse into the lives of women within the context of a highly structured society. Kunisada’s work highlights the social roles assigned to women. We see them engaged in refined, cultural activities, reinforcing the expectations of women as keepers of tradition. The clothing indicates status, suggesting that these women occupy a privileged position. By depicting such scenes, Kunisada both perpetuated and celebrated the social norms of his time. His work provides us with a window into the complex interplay of gender, class, and cultural identity in 19th century Japan. As viewers today, we are invited to consider how these historical representations both reflect and shape societal values, challenging us to reflect on contemporary expressions of identity.