Mirror and Stand 1815

Kikugawa Eizan created this woodblock print, "Mirror and Stand," during the Edo period, a time of relative peace and flourishing arts in Japan. While seemingly a still life, it subtly speaks to gender roles and identity. Mirrors in this period were highly personal objects, especially for women of the upper classes, reflecting not just their image, but also societal expectations around beauty and presentation. The mirror and stand suggest a space of contemplation, and perhaps a performance of femininity. Note the accompanying text, likely a poem, which enhances the print’s emotional depth. The details of the mirror stand construction and embellishments also hint at the cultural importance of aesthetics in everyday life. Eizan's work provides us with a glimpse into the intimate and carefully constructed world of women in Edo society. It prompts us to consider the ways in which objects mediate our understanding of self, and the complex interplay between personal identity and societal norms.