The Nō Play Kurama, from the series A Set of Ten for the Hisakataya Poetry Club (Hisakataya jÅ«ban no uchi) 

Editor: This is Teisai Hokuba's "The Nō Play Kurama," part of the Hisakataya Poetry Club series. The figures are so expressive, but I'm wondering, what's the story being told here? Curator: Hokuba situates us in a vibrant artistic community, the Hisakataya Poetry Club. He's not just depicting a play but reflecting its role in social discourse, connecting art and identity. Notice the noh actor's exaggerated features. What might that signify about societal perceptions of power and performance? Editor: Perhaps a commentary on social roles and expectations? It's interesting to think about performance as a lens for examining identity. Curator: Precisely. Hokuba uses the play as a mirror, reflecting not just the narrative, but the complex interplay between art, society, and individual expression. It encourages us to think about how stories shape who we are. Editor: I never considered the social context of art this way. I see so much more now.