Children at Play: Tennō Festival (Kodomo asobi Tennō matsuri) c. 19th century

Curator: Utagawa Yoshitora’s “Children at Play: Tennō Festival,” found at the Harvard Art Museums, offers us a glimpse into the social life of 19th-century Japan. Editor: Whoa, it’s a total riot of colour and energy! Looks like a chaotic dance. Curator: The print captures a festival scene, likely the Gion Matsuri, reworked for a child's perspective, reflecting how these events were crucial for communal identity. Editor: I see the traditional procession, but it’s like…a joyful free-for-all. All these kids, their faces alight, pulling and pushing… It makes me think about the controlled chaos of childhood. Curator: Indeed, Yoshitora’s work highlights the evolving role of children in public life and how festivals offered a space for them to participate in and learn about societal structures. Editor: I get the feeling that it's not just about looking at the festival, but also at ourselves, at our roots, and how we engage with tradition. Curator: Precisely, and the print serves as a vivid historical document, prompting us to reflect on continuity and change. Editor: For me, it's about remembering to let go, to embrace the mess, and find the joy in the middle of it all.