Taira no Kiyomori Holding Back the Sun, from the series Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan (Dai Nippon meishō kagami) c. 1878 - 1882

Editor: This is Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s woodblock print, “Taira no Kiyomori Holding Back the Sun.” The intensity of the sunset is amazing! What do you see in this piece, beyond the vibrant colors? Curator: The print speaks volumes about the politics of imagery. Yoshitoshi, working in the late 19th century, references a 12th-century figure. Kiyomori, a powerful leader, is depicted defying nature. How might this image challenge or reinforce existing power structures? Editor: I see it now. The women seem frightened, while Kiyomori seems powerful enough to challenge even the sun itself. Curator: Exactly. The artist uses a historical narrative to comment on contemporary ideas of authority and control. These prints were often vehicles for social commentary. Editor: I hadn’t considered the commentary. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: It's fascinating to see how art can reflect and shape societal views, isn’t it?