The Hour of the Horse 

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print, "The Hour of the Horse" during the Edo period, when Japan was experiencing economic growth and cultural change. Here, Utamaro invites us into a world of female beauty and social interactions, depicting women, possibly courtesans, in a moment of leisure. The presence of a child introduces themes of motherhood, caregiving, and the continuation of life. These women, confined by societal expectations, existed within strictly defined roles. Utamaro challenges traditional representations by capturing the women in unguarded moments. Their expressions of boredom, laughter, and introspection offer a counter-narrative to the idealized portrayals of women, giving us a glimpse into their identities beyond social roles. This print serves as both a reflection of its time and an intimate portrayal of human experience, speaking to the nuances of identity, class, and emotion.