Three ladies and two small attendants c. 18th century

Curator: Katsukawa Shunchō's woodblock print, “Three ladies and two small attendants,” offers an intimate glimpse into late 18th-century Japanese life. I am immediately struck by the opulence of the kimono patterns. Editor: Yes, but I think there’s something more important at play. The print suggests the social stratification inherent in the Edo period, through a clear depiction of class and gender roles. Curator: I agree, but look at the execution of the textile designs! The paper itself serves as the ground for complex patterns, reflecting the artistry embedded in everyday objects. Editor: True, and these artistic choices provide insight into the lives of women and children of the time, and perhaps questions traditional power structures within that society. Curator: So true. A fascinating piece on the intersection of labor, artistic expression, and social commentary. Editor: It truly opens a window onto a time when shifting cultural forces played out within the most intimate settings.