Woman Seated Holding a Cat 1745 - 1765

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyohiro depicts two women and a cat, likely made sometime in the mid 18th century. Such prints are referred to as Ukiyo-e, which translates to "pictures of the floating world". In Japan at this time, the floating world was a space of pleasure and entertainment, largely referring to the theater districts and red-light districts of urban centers. Woodblock prints of this kind were aimed at a broad public audience. Prints of beautiful women, known as Bijinga, were a common Ukiyo-e subject, often portraying courtesans, geishas, and fashionable women. One woman in the image is seated holding a cat, while the other is standing and teasing the cat with a tassel. The outfits worn by the women reflect the fashions of the day, with elaborate hairstyles and colorful kimonos. Considering this artwork through the lens of social history helps us understand its role in reflecting and shaping the values, tastes, and social relations of its time. With further research, we can gain deeper insight into the cultural and historical context of this image.