Sanba 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

Woman and Attendant, ca. 1795. Creator: Utagawa Toyokuni I
Woman and Attendant, ca. 1795. Courtesan on her way to see her first customer of the evening by the light of a lantern held by an attendant. Edo period

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"Unveiling the Lives of Sanba: 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 era, we catch a glimpse into the lives and roles of these remarkable individuals. Amidst the backdrop of an Edo street scene, we witness the resilience and determination of women belonging to the working class. These unsung heroines navigated their way through Tokyo's labyrinthine alleys, contributing tirelessly to support their families. In contrast, young women and geisha adorned these very streets with grace and elegance. Their presence added color to every corner as they captivated passersby with their refined arts and enchanting performances. Venturing further into this historical realm, we encounter wealthy townswomen seeking solace within a house boasting a serene courtyard. Here they found respite from societal expectations while indulging in leisurely pursuits that brought them joy and contentment. Meanwhile, women hailing from merchant or artisan backgrounds showcased their resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit. They skillfully maneuvered through bustling marketplaces, leaving an indelible mark on Tokyo's economic landscape. The opulent world behind closed doors reveals itself when observing a concubine (mekake) intently watching a mesmerizing dancer perform for her high-ranking lover. Such scenes offer us glimpses into complex relationships intertwined within aristocratic circles during this period. Beyond these intimate settings lies another facet – wives belonging to elite samurai classes finding moments for relaxation amidst their demanding duties. Embracing tranquility amidst chaos allowed them to rejuvenate both body and mind before returning to uphold family honor with unwavering loyalty. Japanese culture flourished outdoors too as groups of spirited women gathered for picnics in lush fields surrounding Tokyo. Amid laughter-filled conversations under cherry blossom trees, bonds were forged that would withstand the test of time.