Pouch and Mirror c. 1825

Yashima Gakutei produced this woodblock print of a pouch and mirror in Japan sometime in the early 19th century. More than simply a still-life, Gakutei’s print offers us a glimpse into the world of fashion and personal grooming in Edo-period Japan. The image creates meaning through its rendering of textiles and textures. Note the geometric pattern on the pouch’s exterior and the floral design within. These details speak to the importance of craftsmanship and aesthetics in Japanese culture, but they also demonstrate an increasing level of commerce, where personal objects were becoming both more widely available and more decorative. Also, the presence of calligraphy suggests the rise of literacy and literary culture. As historians, we are interested in how prints like these reflect the values and social conditions of their time. Further research into fashion trends, craft industries, and literary circles of 19th-century Japan can give us a better appreciation of the social and cultural context of Gakutei’s work.