Making Court Headgears c. 19th century

Ryūryūkyo Shinsai created this print depicting the making of court headgears in Japan during the late 18th or early 19th century. The print provides a glimpse into the meticulous craft involved in producing these symbols of status and authority. The image presents us with the tools, materials, and stages of production involved in making court headgears. The inclusion of calligraphy, seals, and symbolic elements, reflect the values and aesthetic preferences of Japanese society at the time. Woodblock prints like this one circulated among a growing urban population and fostered an appreciation for craftsmanship and refined taste. As art historians, we can explore how institutions such as guilds and workshops regulated the production of luxury goods. By researching historical records, examining surviving examples of headgear, and studying visual sources, we can learn about the social and economic structures that shaped artistic production in Japan. We can also explore how they were consumed and displayed.