Vrouw met draak 1820

This image is a woodblock print called “Woman with Dragon”, made in Japan in the 19th century by Yashima Gakutei. It is an exquisite example of Ukiyo-e art, a genre that flourished during the Edo period. This print beautifully intertwines gender and mythical narratives. It depicts a woman, elegantly adorned, seated upon a dragon, a symbol of power and transformation. In many cultures dragons are seen as symbols of male power, but here, the woman is in control. She is calm, regal, yet approachable. She is not fearful of the dragon, or of the power it represents; rather, she commands it. The print offers an alternative narrative, challenging traditional representations of women as passive figures. In this historical and cultural context the piece invites us to contemplate the multifaceted roles and strengths of women, while invoking a sense of wonder and the magical.