Mirror of Elegance (Furyu kesho kagami) n.d.

Tamagawa Shūchō created this woodblock print titled *Mirror of Elegance* that presents an intimate scene of a woman in an interior space. The artwork, likely produced in the late 18th century, is representative of the Ukiyo-e style. It's a genre that flourished during the Edo period in Japan, primarily depicting scenes of everyday life and the floating world of pleasure quarters. Notice how the image seems to aestheticize the act of bathing, likely a practice reserved for affluent members of society. The scene seems to cater to the desires of its dominant male audience. The scene's backdrop offers a voyeuristic glimpse into another room. By investigating the production and consumption of images like this, we can better understand the social dynamics of Edo-period Japan. Further research into the era's art market and social customs would reveal deeper insights into its historical context and complex cultural values.