Visiting (Kayoi) - a parody of Shosho visiting Komachi c. 1740s

This woodblock print by Mangetsudo reinterprets a classical theme through the lens of Japan’s rapidly modernizing society. The print references a famous scene of the Heian period poet Shosho visiting the celebrated, but impoverished, poet Komachi. Here, the artist updates the narrative with visual cues that would have resonated with contemporary audiences. Notice how the traditional sedan chair, a symbol of status and transport for the elite, is replaced by what appears to be a modern train carriage floating above the scene. This contrast creates a humorous tension, subtly commenting on the changing social landscape of Japan and the impact of Western technology. The artist also encourages us to think about the institutions that underpin the art world. Who gets remembered through history? What role does technology play in shaping our cultural memory? To better understand this print, one might research the history of transportation in Japan and the social status of artists and poets. Ultimately, artworks are powerful tools that reflect and question the values of their time.