Women in Japanese Prints
Now closed
Transport yourself to Japan in the late 1700s and discover the varied and captivating lives of women represented in print.
From the ‘decadent’ to the ‘respectable’, Women in Japanese Prints explores changing depictions of women under the watchful eye of government censors. In response to strict new rules around excess, indulgence and debauchery, artists sought alternatives to their lavish pictures of fashionable beauties like teahouse waitresses and courtesans. Instead, they placed women in wholesome, everyday scenes – working or visiting places and people, looking after children or playing music.
Bringing together a small but impressive selection of these delicate prints from our collection, this display not only showcases the printmakers’ technical skills and luxe materials but celebrates the intimate, tender and funny moments which were as recognisable to women then as they are today.
Women in Japanese Prints is an exciting opportunity to take a closer look at these rarely displayed works.
This display is free to visit and there's no need to book.
Hero image: Harukawa Goshichi, Woman seen through a window gazing at a book of actors, c.1820–30 Surimono (luxury print). Colour print from woodblocks, with metallic pigment and blind embossing. Given by E. Evelyn Barron, 1937. P.345-1937