Comparing Modern Women (Tōsei bijin awase) c. late to early to mid 19th century

Curator: This subtle print evokes a feeling of serene contemplation, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. Let's delve into Kikugawa Eizan's "Comparing Modern Women" from the early 19th century. These images played a vital role in shaping the perception, and frankly, the commodification, of women in Japanese society. Curator: I'm particularly struck by the way Eizan idealizes the women, yet also reveals their cultural roles within Edo society through their clothing and adornments. Editor: Precisely, their fashion signals status. These prints allowed a broad audience to participate in the contemporary discourse on beauty and social expectations. They weren't passive images. Curator: It's a valuable reminder that art isn't created in a vacuum. Editor: Indeed, considering that art, especially art featuring women, is always embedded in power dynamics is very important.