Prins Genji en Yugao 1795 - 1800

Chōkōsai Eishō created this woodblock print, Prins Genji en Yugao, during the Edo period in Japan. This era was marked by relative peace and economic growth, yet also rigid social hierarchies and strict codes of conduct. The print depicts a scene from "The Tale of Genji," a classic work of Japanese literature often seen as the world's first novel. It tells the story of Prince Genji, an idealized aristocratic figure, and his many romantic entanglements. Here, Genji is depicted meeting Yugao, a lower-class woman with whom he becomes infatuated. What's striking is the depiction of gender and class. Women in these prints, while appearing elegant, were often portrayed through the male gaze, reflecting societal expectations of beauty and subservience. Yugao’s story is particularly poignant, highlighting the tragic consequences of crossing social boundaries in a highly stratified society. She represents both the allure and the vulnerability of women outside the aristocratic circle. The print invites us to reflect on how individual desires and identities are shaped by the constraints of societal norms, a theme that remains relevant across centuries and cultures.