Dimensions: height mm, width mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is an original flyer accompanying a print by Natori Shunsen, crafted at an unknown date. Dominated by Japanese script, the flyer is rich in symbols tied to rank, honor, and imperial presentation, evoking a sense of formality and respect. Consider the act of "上覧" (exhibition to the Emperor), a motif resonating through history. This act finds echoes in the ceremonial displays of power seen across cultures—from the presentation of conquered lands to Roman emperors to modern-day state visits. The practice of showcasing something before a ruler evolved from a demonstration of fealty to a performance of cultural identity. The weight of tradition and the gaze of authority in these symbols evoke deep psychological responses. The flyer’s script, dense and deliberate, projects an aura of immutable law and order, touching the subconscious desire for stability and respect. This act of presentation, charged with emotional weight, engages viewers on a subconscious level, connecting past and present. These symbols of imperial presentation have resurfaced and evolved throughout history.
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