Poem by SaigÅ« Nyōgo, from an untitled series of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (SanjÅ«rokkasen) c. 1767 - 1768

Curator: This print by Suzuki Harunobu, part of the Thirty-six Poetic Immortals series, depicts Saigū Nyōgo with her poem. It's a vertical chūban size print. Editor: It’s instantly calming; the soft colors and the women's serene expressions suggest a very private, contemplative moment. Curator: Absolutely. Harunobu, active in 18th-century Edo, often portrayed scenes of elegant leisure, reflecting the cultural values of the time. Note the koto, a symbol of refinement, and the poem itself, hinting at deeper emotions. Editor: The poem and musical instrument are potent symbols, but I'm also drawn to the composition; the way the interior space is defined creates an almost stage-like setting. It seems performative, despite the intimate setting. Curator: That's insightful. The poem is a cultural artifact, a relic of a past when artistic expression was deeply ingrained in social life. Editor: Seeing it this way, I feel a connection to this past, and a sense of continuity through artistic expression.