Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe) c. 1984 - 1986

Curator: Matsubara Naoko’s “Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe)” at the Harvard Art Museums presents us with a compelling visual narrative. Editor: It’s strikingly stark, almost like a shadow play, wouldn’t you say? The interplay of dark ink on the white paper creates a sense of dramatic tension and melancholy. Curator: Indeed. Hagoromo is a classic Noh drama; its story is deeply embedded in Japanese cultural memory. This woodblock print allows us to consider how traditional narratives are reinterpreted and circulated. Editor: The celestial maiden and the fisherman are rendered in such simplified, almost monumental forms. The bold, curving lines seem to evoke themes of transformation and the ephemeral nature of beauty, or perhaps even loss. Curator: Exactly. And it encourages us to think about the role of art in preserving and reimagining cultural heritage. Editor: Looking at it again, it’s a poignant reminder of stories that continue to resonate across generations. Curator: Absolutely. It is a unique work that speaks to the power of art to bridge the past and the present.