Women in Daily Life 

Ogata Gekko created this woodblock print titled ‘Women in Daily Life’ during a period of significant change in Japan. As Japan opened to the West, artists grappled with modernizing traditional art forms like Ukiyo-e, a genre that often depicted idealized images of women. Gekko’s print challenges these norms by presenting a more intimate, less embellished portrayal of a woman in what seems like quiet contemplation. Here the woman is seen from behind, her face hidden, standing on a balcony overlooking a snow-covered landscape; a break from conventional depictions that focus on beauty and outward appearance. The heavy snow could symbolize the emotional weight or the stillness of her daily life, inviting a dialogue about the roles and expectations placed on women in Japanese society. The print quietly explores the internal experiences of women, prompting us to consider the untold stories behind these figures.