Woman Playing with a Young Boy 1804

This woodblock print was made by Hishikawa Sōri in Japan during the Edo period. The image depicts a woman playfully teasing a young boy with a fan. These images of daily life were a new art form for urban audiences. Woodblock prints served as a form of mass media, popular among the rising merchant class. The Edo period saw a shift in social dynamics with merchants gaining economic power, which influenced cultural trends. These artworks provide us with a glimpse into the social customs, fashion, and leisure activities of the time. The print also includes calligraphy, which adds another layer of meaning and cultural context. To gain a deeper understanding, we might consult historical texts, literature, and social commentaries from the Edo period. Understanding art means understanding its place in the world.