Ghost of Sogo's Wife (Sogo no tsuma no tamashii) Possibly 1893

Editor: Here we have Toyohara Kunichika's *Ghost of Sogo's Wife* from the late 19th century, a woodblock print on paper. The figure is haunting and seems to float on the page. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This print allows us to consider the role of women in feudal Japan, especially within the context of social justice. Here we see not just a ghost, but the embodiment of societal grievances. How does Kunichika portray her agency, or lack thereof? Editor: I see her holding the sword, which suggests power, yet the floating posture implies a lack of control. Curator: Exactly. Is she seeking vengeance, or is she a victim of circumstance? Consider how such depictions challenged or reinforced existing power structures of the time. What does this say about the agency and visibility of women then? Editor: It’s amazing to consider how much social commentary can be packed into one image. Curator: Absolutely. Art becomes a powerful tool for voicing unspoken truths and sparking change.