Second Month; Tei of Shinbashi by a Plum Tree at Umeyashiki 1880

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print, “Second Month: Tei of Shinbashi by a Plum Tree at Umeyashiki,” as part of his series "Fuzoku Sanjuniso" or "Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners" in late 19th century Japan. The series aimed to capture the diverse social classes and customs of women during the Meiji Restoration, a period of rapid modernization and Westernization. This image depicts Tei, a courtesan from the Shinbashi district, set against the backdrop of the Umeyashiki plum garden. Yoshitoshi uses visual cues like her elaborate hairstyle, clothing, and the setting to evoke a sense of elegance and refinement. The series can be understood as part of a broader cultural discourse about the role of women in a rapidly changing society. Woodblock prints at the time played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. The historian interprets this artwork by drawing on period documents, social histories, and studies of popular culture. The meaning of this print is therefore contingent on our understanding of the social and institutional contexts in which it was produced and consumed.