Two Women and a Puppy 1787 - 1788

Nagasawa Rosetsu created this delicate ink and color on paper scroll, called "Two Women and a Puppy", in the late 18th century. Rosetsu lived during the Edo period, a time of economic growth, strict social order and relative peace in Japan. The painting depicts two women in traditional dress accompanied by a small dog. It seems simple, but it invites us to consider the role of women in Edo society, where class distinctions were clearly defined, influencing everything from clothing to social interactions. The women's kimonos, their hairstyles, and even the presence of a pet, speak to their status within this hierarchy. As such, the painting can be seen to embrace traditional representations, but with a subtle emotional depth. Rosetsu captures a quiet moment of companionship but also prompts reflections on social identity, the gaze, and the unspoken narratives of daily life.