Sugawara no Michizane 1880

Curator: Yoshitoshi's print, dating from 1880, offers a striking portrayal of Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure deeply revered in Japanese culture as the god of learning, Tenjin. Editor: There's a melancholic quality to it, isn't there? The palette is so subdued, dominated by cool blues and muted purples. And the sharp, almost skeletal branches framing the full moon really amplify that sense of isolation. Curator: Isolation is indeed key here. Michizane was exiled from the capital due to political maneuvering. His posthumous deification highlights the power of those in positions of authority, especially regarding narrative construction. The print becomes less about personal experience and more a commentary on historical injustices. Editor: I see your point about injustice, but formally, the composition is ingenious. The figure of Michizane is placed almost centrally, yet doesn't dominate. Instead, he seems integrated with the landscape, almost at one with the moon and blossoming plum tree, whose pale, near-white flowers pop against the dark colors.. That sense of connection softens the image. Curator: Connection with nature was central to Michizane's story, of course. Tradition holds that plum trees followed him in his exile, becoming potent symbols of loyalty and resilience associated with this cultural hero. The blossoming trees serve as a reminder of the cultural impact of Michizane and how such natural metaphors continue to act as critical political and religious emblems. Editor: So, it's about memory too, wouldn't you say? How the artist wants the audience to perceive both the literal elements of plum blossoms under moonlight and to consider deeper historical weight embedded within those formal choices? Curator: Precisely. Yoshitoshi engages with the complex relationship between power and legacy within the evolving landscape of Meiji-era Japan. Editor: It is amazing to consider all the elements that go into a seemingly "simple" image of an exiled figure! Curator: Absolutely! Understanding the artwork in the frame of power relations offers invaluable depth.