Music and dance performance of two shrine maidens c. 1854 - 1859

Bokuba created this print depicting a music and dance performance of two shrine maidens; its date is unknown. During this time, art and culture were heavily influenced by the social structure of the Edo period, where rituals and performances played an important role in community life and spiritual expression. The scene captures the essence of traditional Shinto practices with the two maidens representing different roles within the ritual. The visual narrative invites us to consider the dynamics of gender and performance in religious contexts, reflecting how women's roles in these settings were both revered and circumscribed. The artist invites us to consider not only the visual representation but also the sound and movement inherent in the scene, suggesting a sensory experience. This artwork serves as a window into the cultural practices and social dynamics of its time, reflecting the complex interplay between tradition, gender, and spiritual expression, inviting us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions embedded within it.