Fish Market 1780s

"Fish Market" was created by Matsumura Goshun in the late 18th or early 19th century, using ink and color on paper. The Edo period in which Goshun lived, was characterized by strict social hierarchies and economic changes that affected the merchant class, who are the characters depicted in this painting. Here we see a bustling market scene, brimming with people clamoring for fish. Goshun’s loose brushwork and the animated expressions of the crowd evoke a sense of energy and chaos. Yet, this scene is not just a depiction of commerce; it is also a reflection of the socio-economic dynamics of the time. The Edo period saw the rise of a wealthy merchant class, who, despite their economic power, were often looked down upon by the ruling samurai class. In this context, Goshun's portrayal of commoners engaged in the marketplace can be seen as both a celebration and a critique of the burgeoning commercial culture. "Fish Market" invites us to consider the relationship between art, commerce, and social identity in 18th-century Japan, capturing the vibrancy and complexity of everyday life during a time of great social change.