Ono no Komachi Washing the Copybook, from the series The Fashionable Seven Komachi (Furyu nana Komachi) c. 1615 - 1868

This woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi, made in Japan, presents Ono no Komachi, a famous poet, in a series depicting her in fashionable scenes. Here, she washes a copybook in a tub of water, attended by two other women. Eishi worked during the Edo period, a time of economic growth and strict social order under the Tokugawa shogunate. The arts flourished, but were also subject to censorship. Prints like this, part of the "ukiyo-e" genre, often depicted idealized versions of women, actors, and famous tales, subtly commenting on contemporary society. Here, Komachi is placed within a very contemporary setting with up to date fashion, as we can see by the contemporary hairstyle. Understanding this print requires considering its cultural context. Research into the Edo period's social structure, the role of women, and the popularity of the Komachi legend is essential. By examining these sources, we can move beyond a purely aesthetic appreciation and understand the print's commentary on the social norms of its time.