Kwast: vrouwe Wei c. 1827

This color woodblock print titled "Kwast: vrouwe Wei" was created by Yashima Gakutei in Japan in the 19th century. During this time, Japan experienced a vibrant artistic and literary culture, with a growing interest in depicting scenes of everyday life and historical figures. Here, we see a woman of apparent status writing calligraphy. It seems that this is a reference to Wei Shuo, also known as Lady Wei, a Chinese calligrapher of the Jin Dynasty. But note how she is adorned with a Japanese hairstyle and kimono, a nod to Japanese culture. The text in the upper left corner as well as her stationary are also clues to the importance of the written word, calligraphy, and literature. The work complicates the intersections of gender, class, and cultural identity. It prompts us to consider the power of representation, cultural exchange, and the ways in which artists draw upon history to reflect on their present. It serves as a reminder of the personal and cultural dimensions of art.