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Women of the working class in Tokyo, 18th century
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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. Handcoloured ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa from Shikitei Sanbas Ehon Imayo Sugata (Picture Book of the Modern Forms and Figures, Tokyo, 1916. Reprint of the original from 1802
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Media ID 23392254
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Accessories Call Cartouche Cosmetics Customers Ehon Figures Forms Geisha Imayo Kimono Lifestyle Madam Merchant Sanba Shikitei Sugata Tokyo Toyokuni Ukiyo Utagawa Woodblock Woodcut
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Women of the Working Class in Tokyo, Edo Era, 18th Century: A Glimpse into Daily Life This handcoloured ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa, titled "Imayo Sugata" (Modern Forms and Figures), offers a rare glimpse into the lives of women from the working class in Tokyo during the 18th century Edo Era. The scene is set in a typical Tokyo household, where women of various occupations are engaged in their daily tasks. At the center, a laundress diligently washes clothes in a large tub, her expression focused as she scrubs away the grime. Nearby, a menial maid balances water pails on a yoke, her back bent as she makes her way to the household's water source. A servant, perhaps the mistress's personal attendant, brushes her mistress's hair, her own hair neatly tied up. A nursemaid cradles a baby, her expression gentle as she attends to the child's needs. The women's attire reflects their social status and occupations. The laundress wears a simple kimono with a checked pattern, her hair pulled back in a practical bun. The maid's kimono is adorned with a bold floral design, while the servant's kimono is more elaborate, featuring intricate patterns and a vibrant color palette. The nursemaid's kimono is a muted, earthy tone, with a simple design. The print also showcases the various accessories and cosmetics used by women during this period. The laundress wears a wooden clog, while the maid carries a bamboo basket on her back. The servant's hair is adorned with a decorative hairpin, and the nursemaid's kimono features a sash with a tassel. The cartouche at the top of the print identifies the scene as taking place in an okiya, or geisha house, where women trained to become geishas or entertainers lived and worked. The print provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of women from the working class in Tokyo during the Edo Era, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture and lifestyle over 200 years ago.
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