Kago (Travelling Chair) 19th-20th century

This hand-colored albumen print, "Kago (Travelling Chair)", was created by an anonymous artist and captures a scene of daily life in Japan. It prompts us to consider the cultural and historical contexts of the late 19th century, particularly during a period of rapid modernization and Western influence in Japan. The image depicts a woman, likely of high social standing, being carried in a kago, a traditional palanquin, by two laborers. This arrangement speaks volumes about the social hierarchies and gender roles of the time. While the woman is passively transported, the laborers bear the physical burden, highlighting class disparities and the commodification of labor. This contrasts with the decorative and colorful design of the kago, which reflects the aesthetic values and material culture of the time. The photograph invites reflection on the lives and experiences of all those involved. From the anonymous laborers whose bodies are the vehicles of transport, to the woman whose elevated position signifies privilege. It tells a story of power, labor, and identity in a transforming society.