Vesper Bell of the Temple of Great Buddha 1768 - 1788

Kitao Shigemasa made this woodblock print, "Vesper Bell of the Temple of Great Buddha," sometime in the late 18th century. It’s part of a series depicting the “Eight Views of Shinagawa,” known for its pleasure district. Here, Shigemasa uses the “floating world” style known as ukiyo-e to depict two courtesans relaxing indoors. Note the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, next to the seated woman. It provides a glimpse into the artistic and musical pursuits of women who occupied this social position. The print reflects the economic and cultural vibrancy of Edo period Japan, where a merchant class had the means to patronize the arts and entertainment. It offers a glimpse into the gendered social structures of the time, particularly the lives of women within the entertainment industry. Understanding this image requires knowledge of the history of printmaking, musicology, and gender studies. Art historians use these resources to enrich our understanding of this print’s meaning and significance within its social context.