Ehon Collection

(Two Court Ladies and Three Old Men), 1810s (colour woodblock print)
883247 (Two Court Ladies and Three Old Men), 1810s (colour woodblock print) by Uematsu Tōshū (fl.c.1790-1825); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN

(Old Man Dancing to Celebrate the Birth of his First Grandson), 1810s (colour woodblock print)
883246 (Old Man Dancing to Celebrate the Birth of his First Grandson), 1810s (colour woodblock print) by Uematsu Tōshū (fl.c.1790-1825); 19.1x12.9 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN

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

Miyakodori (masski inari), Ehon Miyakodori: Masaki. Katsushika, Hokusai, 1760-1849, artist, 1802. 1 print : woodcut, color; 22.1 x 33 cm. Print shows a family arriving at a temple or shrine

Ehon Miyakodori: Masaki

Makura ehon no iichibu. Print shows a man reclining. Date between 1780 and 1800

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"Ehon: A Glimpse into the Vibrant Lives of Edo Period Women" Step back in time to the enchanting world of Edo period Japan, where art and culture flourished. Through captivating colour woodblock prints from the 1810s, we are transported to a realm filled with intriguing stories and diverse characters. In "Two Court Ladies and Three Old Men, " we witness an exquisite portrayal of elegance as court ladies engage in animated conversation while three wise old men observe with wisdom etched on their faces. The print captures the essence of social dynamics during this era. Another print that captivates our imagination is "Old Man Dancing to Celebrate the Birth of his First Grandson. " This heartwarming scene showcases pure joy as an elderly man celebrates new life through dance, symbolizing hope for future generations. Delving deeper into society's fabric, we encounter women from different walks of life. From working-class women bustling through Tokyo's streets in the 18th century to young women mingling with geishas against a backdrop of traditional architecture - each image tells a unique tale. The opulence and refinement depicted in "Wealthy Townswomen at a House with Courtyard" transport us to a world where wealth meets sophistication. These townswomen exude grace as they enjoy leisurely activities within their splendid surroundings. Meanwhile, glimpses into other realms reveal fascinating aspects of Japanese society. The concubine (mekake) observing a mesmerizing dancer reflects both beauty and power entwined within high-ranking circles. On another note, we catch sight of elite samurai wives finding solace amidst their demanding lifestyles – showcasing resilience alongside moments of relaxation. Nature also played an integral role in daily life during this period. In "Japanese Women Picnicking in a Field, " Tokyo comes alive as groups gather under cherry blossom trees, reveling in nature's splendor while enjoying each other's company.