Illustrated Story about late-17th-century Nouveaux Riches (Ogon suidaijin sakazuki by Tamenaga Shunsui II, 1823-1886), second of two printed volumes Possibly 1854

Editor: This is an illustrated book, "Illustrated Story about late-17th-century Nouveaux Riches," by Yamada Kunijirō. It has such a dense, busy quality! What strikes you about this composition? Curator: The density almost feels deliberate, doesn't it? The text becomes texture, a sea around these figures. It's as if the artist is visually representing the overwhelming nature of new wealth and social climbing. Do you sense a satirical tone? Perhaps a commentary on the aspirations of the time? Editor: I do! It's like a visual overload. Thanks, that’s a fresh way to see it. Curator: Absolutely! Art often whispers secrets about its era.