Women on a Fishing Boat c. 1780 - 1800

Chōkōsai Eishō created "Women on a Fishing Boat," a woodblock print during the late 18th century, a time when Japanese art was flourishing under the Edo period. In this print we see women, possibly courtesans, engaged in what seems like a leisurely fishing trip. Historically, women's roles were highly regulated, yet here we see them taking up space, commanding a vessel typically associated with male labor. How might these women be pushing against societal expectations? The attention to detail in their garments, hints at their status, yet their activity blurs the lines of class and gender. The scene invites us to reflect on the complexities of women's lives, their resilience, and their capacity to navigate social constraints. It is a reminder of the diverse roles women have played throughout history.