The Syllable Ha c. 1770 - 1773

Katsukawa Shunsho created this woodblock print, titled "The Syllable Ha," during the Edo period in Japan, a time marked by relative peace and flourishing arts. Shunsho was a leading artist of the Katsukawa school, known for its depictions of Kabuki actors and, as we see here, women in domestic settings. This print is part of a series associating images with syllables from the Japanese alphabet, reflecting a playful engagement with language and visual culture. Our figure, a woman in elegant robes, is shown on a balcony with a koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. The print subtly questions the traditional representations of women. Instead of portraying her solely as an object of beauty, Shunsho captures a moment of quiet contemplation or artistic expression. The woman's gaze is directed away from the viewer. She appears lost in her own world of music and thought. The gentle colors, the delicate lines, and the inclusion of the koto invite us to reflect on the cultural values and personal experiences that shaped women's lives in Edo-period Japan, while also hinting at their inner lives.