A comic pusuits of ladies 

Shibata Zeshin, active during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, created this colorful print titled "A comic pursuit of ladies" using woodblock printing techniques. This image offers a glimpse into the lives of women during a period of significant cultural and political change in Japan. Zeshin, who was born into a society with rigid social hierarchies, may be offering a subtle commentary on the roles and expectations of women in his time. We see women engaged in cultural activities – playing music, reading, and creating art. These pursuits, traditionally associated with refinement and leisure, provide insight into the identities of upper-class women and their creative and intellectual lives. The gathering of women suggests a sense of community and shared experience. The 'comic' element of the artwork is likely found in the subversion of traditional depictions of women. Zeshin perhaps encourages viewers to consider the diverse experiences and individual identities of women beyond their expected societal roles. Zeshin invites us to reflect on the complexities of gender, class, and cultural identity during a transformative period in Japanese history.