Imayo Collection

Women of the working class in Tokyo, 18th century
Women of the working class in Tokyo, Edo Era, 18th century. A laundress washing clothes in a tub, a menial maid carrying water pales with yoke, servant with brush, and nursemaid with baby

Edo street scene, 18th century. A dance teacher and pupil on the left, a nori (glue) seller is beckoned by workers in a small family business

Young women and geisha on an Edo street, 18th century
Scene outside an office for servant placement with the entrance to a female bathhouse. An older woman talks to a nanny with baby and other working women

Wealthy townswomen at a house with courtyard, 18th century
Wealthy townswomen, Tokyo, 18th century. Three young chonin women gather at the house of an older woman for a meeting. A maid brings tea to a young nursing mother

Women of the merchant or artisan class. Waka poetry tutor in a daimyos house. Servants sewing, writing poems, wrapping items and carrying rice

Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man watching a dancer
Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man with tobacco pipe watching a dancing girl accompanied by musicians on shamisen and blind koto harpist (koze)

Wife of the elite samurai class relaxing
Wife of the elite samurai class reading books, with other women writing with a pen, one looking at ukiyo-e prints, and one folding paper. Another woman delivers reams of paper and ink

Japanese women picnicing in a field, Tokyo, 18th century
Japanese women picnicing in a field outside Tokyo, 18th century. Women smoking a tobacco pipe while waiting for a soba-shop woman to bring a kettle and tray of noodles

Aristocratic women parading past a ?shop, Tokyo
Aristocratic women parading passing a ?yojiya, a shop selling brushes and toothpicks, Tokyo, 18th century. Young maids carry a mirror

Edo street scene, 18th century, with archery range
Edo street scene, 18th century. A shop girl sits in front of an archery range holding a bow. A tea shop girl stands on a bench with a candle. A woman and edemame seller with baby pass by

Woman of the nobility or courtier in silk kimono walking
Woman of the nobility or courtier in silk kimono with cypress fan walking in a garden under cherry blossoms. Handcoloured ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa from Shikitei Sanbas Ehon Imayo

London Docks, Greenwich Hospital and Chelsea Hospital. Entrance to the new London docks opened in 1805 in Wapping 85, disabled Navy pensioners at Greenwich Hospital 86

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Imayo: Portraits of Women in 18th Century Tokyo" Step back in time to the bustling streets of Edo, where women from all walks of life shaped the vibrant tapestry of society. In this captivating glimpse into history, we witness the lives and roles of women during the 18th century. Amidst the lively Edo street scene, hardworking women from the working class navigate their way through a city teeming with activity. Their resilience and determination serve as an inspiration for generations to come. As young women and geisha grace these same streets, they bring an air of elegance and mystique. Adorned in exquisite kimonos, they captivate passersby with their gracefulness and artistry. Meanwhile, within a house adorned with a serene courtyard, wealthy townswomen find solace amidst their privileged lives. These ladies enjoy moments of leisure while embracing cultural pursuits that enrich their refined existence. Intriguingly enough, even those belonging to the merchant or artisan class play significant roles in shaping society's fabric. Their entrepreneurial spirit fuels economic growth while challenging societal norms along the way. A concubine (mekake) gazes intently at a mesmerizing dancer; her presence indicative of her high-ranking partner's status. Such scenes offer us a glimpse into complex relationships that existed within this era's hierarchical structure. On another note entirely, wives belonging to elite samurai classes find respite from their duties by indulging in well-deserved relaxation. They embody strength and poise as they navigate both domestic responsibilities and societal expectations. Beyond urban landscapes lie picturesque fields where Japanese women gather for delightful picnics under clear skies. Surrounded by nature's beauty, these gatherings foster friendship bonds that transcend social boundaries. Parading past shops on vibrant Tokyo streets are aristocratic women who exude confidence and sophistication. Draped in luxurious fabrics such as silk kimonos, they epitomize elegance and refinement.