Nachtelijke visvangst 1795 - 1800

Kitagawa Utamaro made this woodblock print titled ‘Night Fishing’ during the Edo period. The print gives us a glimpse into the lives of women in 18th-century Japan, a society marked by rigid social hierarchies. Utamaro, celebrated for his portraits of women, here depicts them engaged in night fishing. Look at how the netting encloses the figures creating a sense of intimacy but also perhaps alluding to their constrained roles within society. The women are not passive figures, but rather active participants in the labor of fishing. These are working women. Utamaro often challenged traditional representations, offering alternative narratives that celebrated the beauty and strength of women from various social strata. The gentle colours and intricate details lend a sense of dignity to their occupation, reflecting a perspective that values their contributions. This print, while portraying a specific activity, invites us to reflect on the multifaceted roles of women and consider the nuances of identity and social status. The artwork reveals the quiet dignity of labour and celebrates the resilience and contributions of women within their communities.