Children with Toys (New Year's Greeting) c. 1758

Editor: This print is called "Children with Toys (New Year's Greeting)" by Torii Kiyohiro. It's hard to date it exactly, but the artist lived in the 18th century. I'm struck by how much detail is packed into such a small space. What do you make of it? Curator: This print speaks volumes about the performative nature of identity and social roles in 18th-century Japan. What do you notice about the children's clothing and props? Editor: They seem very stylized, like they're putting on a show. The one standing has some arrows, and the other has a fan. Curator: Precisely. These aren't just kids playing; they're enacting rituals, possibly tied to New Year's celebrations and the warding off of evil. The print highlights how even children are embedded in systems of cultural performance. Editor: So, it's not just a cute scene but a reflection of societal expectations? Curator: Exactly! It underscores how identities are shaped and reinforced through social practices from a very young age. Editor: I never would have considered how the image of childhood could be read through a cultural lens. Thanks! Curator: It is through questioning the apparent that we gain insight into the underlying structures that perpetuate these roles.