Vrouw met shamisen 1808

This color woodblock print titled 'Vrouw met shamisen' was created by Kikugawa Eizan, who lived from 1787 to 1867. In the Edo period, the geisha held a unique position in Japanese society. They were not only entertainers but also trendsetters who influenced fashion and culture. Woodblock prints such as this one played a significant role in disseminating the image of the geisha. They were often depicted as objects of male desire, yet they also represented female empowerment and independence. In this print, the woman playing the shamisen is portrayed with grace and poise, but it is important to consider the cultural context. What feelings does the artwork evoke in you? Does it evoke feelings of cultural admiration, or something else? The print can also prompt questions about the representation of women, and the dynamics of gender and class in Japanese society during the Edo period.