PRINT 

Editor: This is a print by Katsukawa Shuncho, undated, in the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts women in what looks like a leisurely setting, perhaps a tea house. What can you tell me about the societal context of such scenes? Curator: Considering the Edo period’s rigid social hierarchy, the portrayal of women in ukiyo-e prints offers a glimpse into the complex roles they occupied. Can you see how their clothing and activities reflect or challenge these social norms? The print seems to romanticize their lives. Editor: I see what you mean. They appear idealized, perhaps not fully representing their lived experiences within a patriarchal structure. Curator: Exactly. Exploring these artworks critically allows us to understand how gender and class were constructed and negotiated in Edo society. These prints often functioned as a form of cultural currency, reflecting desires and fantasies more than reality. Editor: That makes me see the image in a totally different light. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's about unveiling those layers.