Kettle and Sash 18th - 19th century

Sunayama Gosei created "Kettle and Sash," sometime between 1700 and 1900, a woodblock print of everyday objects elevated to art. During the Edo period, Japan experienced relative peace and economic growth, which fostered a vibrant urban culture and an appreciation for the arts. This print offers a glimpse into the intimate spaces of daily life, with the kettle and sash serving as quiet witnesses to domestic rituals. It's difficult to say whether Gosei saw his work as reflecting traditional representations or developing alternative narratives, but you have to wonder if his vision was somehow gendered. How does this artistic interpretation of the objects associated with the private sphere influence our understanding of gender roles and identities in 18th-century Japan? Consider the emotional weight of these objects – the warmth of the kettle suggesting companionship, the sash hinting at personal adornment and identity. This piece reflects how art shapes our understanding of the everyday while inviting us to reflect on the intersection of gender, identity, and domesticity in Japanese culture.