Retired Emperor Gosanjōin (Kojidan), from the series Twenty-Four Japanese Paragons of Filial Piety for the Honchō Circle (Honchōren honchō nijÅ«shikō), with poem by Kōkōji Iemori c. 1821 - 1822

Curator: Yashima Gakutei, active in the 19th century, gives us this woodblock print of Retired Emperor Gosanjōin. He's part of a series honoring filial piety, isn't he? Editor: It feels wistful, somehow. The Emperor looks almost... lost, standing there by that slender tree. What do you read into it? Curator: Well, the poem beside him mentions someone among the clouds, perhaps alluding to his elevated status or a spiritual quest. These prints often served as moral examples for the common person. Editor: A moral example wrapped in melancholic beauty. It’s fascinating how a scene meant to instruct can also evoke such a personal sense of introspection. I think there is something very human in the quiet pose, an echo of our own lives. Curator: I agree. The very act of portraying a powerful figure in a moment of such stillness adds a layer of accessibility, making him relatable. It’s a potent blend of art and cultural messaging.