At left is a Taishô-period ad for waterproof "housework gloves" (i.e., rubber gloves). In the dialogue, the husband who has returned from work for the evening complements his wife on her excellent cooking and her smooth hands. But she demurs, saying that this happy situation (good hands; good food) is all thanks to her husband's thoughtful gift. And yes, it was the best gift any husband could give: waterproof housework gloves. And notice at the far left of the ad Granny peeking through the sliding doors, delighted at the domestic harmony obtaining in this household. Get your gloves today!

At right, a husband is delighted with his modern wife (waifu ワイフ), who is a "culture wife." And indeed, she is reading a book titled What is Culture? 文化とは何ぞ. But--as her proud husband peeking in on her realm is happy to point out--she seems already to know what culture is in the very best sense of the word. After all, she has purchased an oil-fired pressure cooker from Kunoki Shôten. And nothing speaks more eloquently about her cultural refinement than that! Once again, domestic harmony is assured thanks to the latest products for the kitchen. (Taishô period)

Below is another ad for rubber "housework gloves." It exhorts women of Japan to treat their hands as well as they treat their faces, and it starts with the phrase "Utsukushii anata no o-te ga . . ." 美しい貴女のお手が, which means "your lovely hands." But the word for "your" (anata no 貴女の) here is one that might be uttered by a husband who is especially pleased with his wife. Most husbands at this time would have used other, less exalted terms most of the time. Click on the small image to see the large version.