Japanese sheet music covers from the early 20th century attracted consumers of musical scores by reflecting the zeitgeist of the time. Saitō Kazō’s portrayal of a modern woman with short hair and a work uniform represents the shifting gender roles in a period of rapid change and industrialization in Japan. The subject’s upper body emerges from the meshing gears as if she were part of the machine. This gift from Mary and Robert Levenson underscores the importance of the study of nontraditional formats in expanding our recognition of art and artists at the MFA.

Color lithograph; ink on paper

Gift of Mary and Robert Levenson.

2023.1209