Woman with a Mirror 

Kitagawa Utamaro created "Woman with a Mirror" using a woodblock print, a technique deeply embedded in the cultural landscape of Edo-period Japan. Utamaro was one of the most important artists of the Ukiyo-e genre, which flourished during a time of economic growth and shifting social structures. His work offers a glimpse into the lives of women in the pleasure districts, often depicting courtesans and geishas. In this print, the woman's focus on her reflection invites us to consider the performative aspects of identity and beauty. "Ukiyo" translates to "floating world" which reflects the transient nature of pleasure and beauty, themes that resonate deeply within the image. This woman's intimate moment with her reflection asks what it meant to be a woman navigating the complex social and cultural expectations of her time.