Young Lady with Parasol 1711 - 1785

Ishikawa Toyonobu made this woodblock print of a Young Lady with Parasol. Prints like this one provide a glimpse into the social and cultural life of Japan during the Edo period. As the merchant class prospered, they fueled a demand for art that reflected their world. The woman depicted here is likely a courtesan, and the print celebrates the ephemeral beauty and fashion of the pleasure quarters. Consider how the artist, Toyonobu, who came from a family of picture book publishers, navigated the strict social hierarchies of the time. The representation of women in these prints was carefully crafted, balancing artistic expression with societal expectations. Prints served as both a reflection of and a contributor to the construction of identity. The emotional impact of the artwork is subtle, inviting the viewer to contemplate the quiet moments in the life of a woman whose identity was both celebrated and constrained by the conventions of her time.