Treasured Admonitions to Young Women (Jijo hokun onna Imagawa) c. 1784

Torii Kiyonaga created this woodblock print, Treasured Admonitions to Young Women, sometime in the late 18th century. The image depicts three women in fashionable dress walking in what appears to be the licensed pleasure district of Edo-period Japan. The image is replete with visual codes and cultural references. The artist subtly critiques the social structures of his time. Kiyonaga was known for his portrayals of strong, independent women, who often defy traditional gender roles. What we see here is an image of female agency, as these women navigate the urban landscape and engage in commerce and conversation. Kiyonaga questions the place of women in society by depicting them as active participants in public life. By studying sources, such as period literature, fashion trends, and the history of the Yoshiwara district, we can more fully appreciate the nuances of this print. This artwork gives us a glimpse into the ever shifting social and institutional contexts that inform artistic production.