Woman playing a poppin 

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print titled, "Woman playing a poppin," during the Edo period in Japan, a time when the arts flourished under a complex social hierarchy. Utamaro, known for his portraits of women, offers us a glimpse into the life of a woman, perhaps a courtesan, enjoying a simple pleasure. Her serene expression invites contemplation, yet her obscured eyes hint at the social constraints placed upon women in this era. The 'poppin', a glass toy, was a popular item, and its inclusion here speaks to the everyday enjoyments sought amidst rigid societal norms. Utamaro challenges conventional representations by focusing on intimate moments, revealing the emotional lives of his subjects. In a society where women's roles were highly defined, Utamaro's work provides a poignant reflection on identity, offering a rare window into the human experience within the Floating World.