The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Onatsu in the Play Kabuki no Hana Bandai Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Third Month, 1781 c. 1781

Katsukawa Shunjō created this woodblock print in 1781, depicting actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Onatsu. Here, the flute she holds is more than just a prop; it's a symbol deeply entrenched in cultural memory. Consider the flute's presence across time. From ancient Greek aulos rituals to Renaissance pastoral scenes, the flute has long been associated with music, love, and even altered states of consciousness. In Japanese culture, the flute embodies spiritual and emotional expression. It appears in contexts of courtly refinement and rustic folk traditions, carrying a complex weight. The haunting melody of a flute can evoke longing, nostalgia, or a transcendent experience. The sound stirs something primal within us, a connection to past emotions. This cultural memory is not merely recalled but relived each time we encounter the instrument. It becomes a powerful force engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. Thus, this simple flute shows how symbols resurface and evolve, continually taking on new meanings.