One of Thirty-Six Flowers 1723 - 1792

Ippitsusai Bunchō made this woodblock print called "One of Thirty-Six Flowers," around the late 18th century. It emerges from the Edo period in Japan, a time of economic growth, strict social order, and flourishing arts. Here, Bunchō presents us with a scene of two women in what appears to be a moment of quiet contemplation. One stands, adorned in a striped kimono, while the other kneels. The backdrop, a landscape viewed through an opening, hints at the world outside, yet the focus remains firmly on the women and their interior lives. These images of women, known as "bijin-ga," were incredibly popular, yet they were far from neutral. They idealized women while also reinforcing certain social expectations. Consider how the artist frames them, what choices are made about their dress, posture, and setting. How do these elements work together to shape a particular narrative about femininity and its place within the culture of the time?