Man with Umbrella by a Water Barrel c. 1800 - 1805

"Man with Umbrella by a Water Barrel" is a woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai. The print subtly hints at the social and economic stratification of Japan during the Edo period. On display is a man, likely a samurai or member of the merchant class, shielding himself from the sun with an umbrella, a luxury item. Next to him is a woman, possibly a courtesan, leaning against a water barrel advertising a teahouse. Notice how Hokusai contrasts their attire and demeanor; one exudes an air of practiced nonchalance, while the other seems burdened. During this era, class distinctions were not just economic, they were deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, influencing everything from clothing to social interactions. This print captures a fleeting moment, yet it speaks volumes about the distances, both literal and metaphorical, that separated people in Japanese society. It reminds us that even in art, the personal is always political.