Woman Cutting an Iris Leaf Arrow c. mid 1820s

Curator: Harukawa Goshichi, a Japanese artist who lived from 1776 to 1831, is credited with creating this shikishiban print titled, "Woman Cutting an Iris Leaf Arrow". Editor: It’s so quiet, isn’t it? Such delicate detail but a muted feel overall, like a secret moment captured. Curator: Right. The image depicts a woman meticulously crafting an arrow from an iris leaf. During the Boys’ Festival, iris leaves were believed to ward off evil. So, we can examine the historical significance of gender roles in artisanal practices. Editor: I like how her kimono sort of swallows her, yet her focus is so intense. It makes me think of how women are often unseen, yet their inner world so very vivid. Curator: Precisely! Her agency is revealed through this small, domestic, but powerful act. Editor: It's interesting how something so ordinary can contain so much symbolism, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely; it reflects a deep understanding of identity, gender, and cultural practices, offering an intersectional lens through which to view this artwork.