Portret van vrouw met een juk c. 1800 - 1805

This woodblock print titled, "Portret van vrouw met een juk," was created by Katsushika Hokusai, a Japanese artist who lived from 1760 to 1849. At first glance, the print reveals the serene face of a woman, framed by what seems like a window, with a dark patterned field above. But the title complicates this tranquil scene, referencing a yoke. This might allude to the burdens and constraints placed upon women in 19th-century Japanese society, subtly captured in her composed expression. Hokusai lived through a time of social and economic change. His work often reflects the lives of ordinary people. The woman’s gaze, directed slightly downward, conveys a sense of introspection. The yoke may symbolize not just physical labor, but also the emotional and psychological weight borne by women of her time. It invites us to consider the untold stories and resilience of those whose lives were often overlooked in historical narratives.