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Japanese barge-dweller hanging out her laundry
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Japanese barge-dweller hanging out her laundry
Japanese barge-dweller - Tokyo, Japan hanging out her laundry. Date: 1930s
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Media ID 18074704
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Barge Hanging Hangs Laundry Pegs Poles Poor Poverty Sampan Tokyo Washing
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In this evocative black-and-white photograph, a Japanese barge-dweller hangs out her laundry along the edge of a sampan, or traditional Japanese boat, moored in a bustling Tokyo bay during the 1930s. The woman, dressed in simple, worn clothing, deftly maneuvers her laundry over the side of the narrow vessel, using wooden pegs and clotheslines to secure each piece. The sun-dappled scene is a poignant reminder of the daily life of the city's impoverished residents. The Tokyo Bay area was once home to a thriving community of barge-dwellers, who lived and worked on the water due to the high cost of land in the city. These families made their living by fishing, selling produce, or working as laborers. The cramped living conditions and lack of modern amenities made for a challenging existence, but the close-knit community provided a sense of support and camaraderie. Despite the hardships, moments of beauty and tranquility could still be found in their daily lives. The simple act of hanging out laundry, a chore shared by women around the world, takes on a deeper significance in this image. The laundry billows in the breeze, catching the sunlight and creating a sense of movement and energy against the still waters of the bay. The woman's focused expression and the rhythmic motion of her actions speak to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when life was simpler, yet often more difficult, and serves as a reminder of the enduring strength and adaptability of the human spirit.
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