Encyclopedia of Musical Theater Performances (Seikyoku ruisan 声曲類纂) 1889

Editor: Here we have a page from Hasegawa Settei's "Encyclopedia of Musical Theater Performances," created in 1889. It's an ink and color on paper drawing, showcasing scenes of what seems to be everyday life in Japan at the time. What strikes me is the intimate peek into these private spaces. How do you interpret the scenes depicted in this artwork? Curator: These genre scenes offer a fascinating glimpse into late 19th-century Japanese society, particularly through the lens of performance and leisure. Note how carefully the artist captures the spatial arrangements, dividing the scenes into separate planes on a single page. Consider how class and gender are represented, and how these visual signifiers reflect or challenge the societal norms of the Meiji era. Editor: So, you’re suggesting it's not just a straightforward depiction, but also a commentary on the social structures of the time? Curator: Precisely! Who gets to participate in these artistic practices? How is access to art mediated by societal forces? Thinking about the ukiyo-e tradition and its evolution in the Meiji period allows us to understand this piece as a site where artistic heritage intersects with modernizing social and political landscapes. Editor: That makes me rethink the apparent "ordinariness" of the scenes. The choice to focus on musical theatre performances now seems like a deliberate act of cultural preservation, or perhaps even resistance, during a time of rapid westernization. Curator: Exactly. It raises important questions about the artist's intention. Is this work a form of cultural celebration, a nostalgic record, or a subtle critique of changing values? And who was this journal intended for? Editor: Looking at it that way makes me see beyond just pretty scenes and appreciate the layers of meaning embedded within. Curator: Absolutely. By considering the historical context, and societal dynamics at play, we can glean the deeper meaning that resonates beyond the aesthetic appeal of this drawing. Editor: I'll definitely look at art differently now, considering it in relation to the broader social narratives it engages with.