Back to back, from a series of 12 prints c. 1700

This print, "Back to Back" by Furuyama Moroshige, was created in Japan around 1690. The image presents two women in elaborately patterned kimonos seated back to back. The sword, the tea ceremony set, and other feminine items create a peaceful domestic scene, a common subject in ukiyo-e prints during the Edo period. Moroshige worked during a time of relative peace and economic growth in Japan, which led to a flourishing of arts and culture. These woodblock prints reflect the values, tastes, and lifestyles of the urban middle class. The women are most likely courtesans, who were known for their fashion, artistic talents, and social graces. Looking at their posture, there is a sense of both intimacy and distance. Their backs are touching, yet they are each lost in their thoughts. In a society governed by strict social rules, such prints offered a rare glimpse into the private lives of women. This print offers an intimate portrayal of female companionship and challenges conventional representations of women. It allows us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity, even within historical constraints.