Vrouw met kaarten c. 1890 - 1900

Totoya Hokkei created this woodblock print, "Woman with Cards," in Japan during the early 19th century. The image portrays a woman in what appears to be a moment of reflection or perhaps divination, surrounded by cards that suggest chance and fate. Historically, women in Japanese society, particularly those in the pleasure quarters, navigated a complex social landscape where they had some agency, yet were still subject to strict social codes. Hokkei's choice to depict a woman engaged in an activity that hints at foresight could reflect the limited control women had over their lives, relying on luck and games of chance for a shift in fortune. The delicate rendering and the intimate scene evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. This artwork serves as both a personal reflection and a cultural commentary, inviting us to consider the intersections of gender, class, and the human desire to shape one's destiny.