Boat Setting Sail for Tosa 19th century

This print, "Boat Setting Sail for Tosa," was created by Kubo Shunman, an artist working in Japan between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During Shunman's lifetime, Japan experienced an era of relative peace and economic growth under the Tokugawa shogunate, yet social hierarchies remained rigid. Shunman, born into a modest family, navigated this complex world through his art. Woodblock prints were popular among the merchant class as they depicted scenes from everyday life, landscapes, and fashionable figures. The poem inscribed on the print contextualizes the image. It offers an intimate glimpse into the cultural values of the time, such as reverence for nature and the importance of literary expression. The artwork’s idyllic scene invites contemplation, offering a moment of respite from the constraints of society. Shunman's print provides a delicate meditation on the human experience, one that encourages us to reflect on our own journeys and aspirations.