Posted by Dan (24.59.72.128) on March 24, 2004 at 06:13:00:
In Reply to: Ukiyoe and Women posted by Sue Smith on March 21, 2004 at 12:29:39:
Hi Sue,
From the sound of it, might there be a term paper at the other end of this question? The question is too broad to answer in anything less.
Nevertheless, you might look at ukiyo-e very carefully by period and examine the ideals of feminine beauty at any given time. I think you will find different patterns of thought on women and the status of women, from women as regal beings and noble ideals of moral strength to women as girlish, frail or simply sexual objects. Compare the prints of the Kaigetsudo School to those by Harunobu, and those again to Kuniyoshi. Then you will begin to form your own conclusions.