Woman Carrying a Tray of Fish on her Head c. 1790 - 1810

Kitao Shigemasa created this woodblock print of a woman carrying a tray of fish on her head in Japan during the Edo period. This was a time of economic growth and relative peace, but also rigid social hierarchies. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, particularly working-class women. Though seemingly simple, the print complicates gender roles and class dynamics in 18th century Japan. The woman’s labour is apparent, yet her gaze is averted and her expression unreadable. Is she a figure of strength and resilience, or is she burdened and oppressed? The fish itself, likely a luxury item, speaks to the complex economic structures of the time. Her labour makes the consumption of luxury goods possible, but at what cost to her? In its delicate lines and subtle colors, Shigemasa’s work invites us to consider the everyday realities of those whose stories are often left out of history. It also invites us to reflect on the human cost of economic systems.