Flute Player Charming a Snake ("Snake" from the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac) Possibly 1833

Curator: Here we have Yashima Gakutei's "Flute Player Charming a Snake" – part of his series on the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac. Editor: It's such a charming image, really. The flute player almost seems embraced by the snake's coils rather than threatened. Curator: I see that too. Note how the snake encircles the figure, creating a visual harmony. The composition draws attention to the relationship between the musician and reptile. Editor: It almost feels like a dance. The delicate lines of the flute, set against the snake's rough texture—it suggests such intimacy with nature. Curator: Indeed. The artist captures a cultural narrative through form and technique. The woodblock printing enables intricate detailing, underscoring the symbolism. Editor: It’s such a calming piece, makes me wonder what music the flute player is playing... Curator: A piece of magic, I suspect, a little slice of eternity.