Memorial Anniversary (ShÅ«nen), from the series One Hundred Ghost Stories (Hyaku monogatari) c. 1831 - 1832

Editor: This woodblock print, "Memorial Anniversary" by Hokusai, is part of the "One Hundred Ghost Stories" series. The stark monochrome and the central image of the snake are unsettling. How do you interpret the imagery? Curator: Consider how Hokusai engages with the popular culture of ghost stories, transforming them into commentary. Notice the swastika on the cup, an ancient religious symbol appropriated later by other cultures. How might this inform our understanding of the image's reception, then and now? Editor: I hadn’t noticed the swastika. That definitely adds a layer of complexity. It’s amazing how Hokusai weaves these elements together. Curator: Indeed. By understanding the socio-political currents of his time, we can appreciate the nuance in his ghostly tales.