Battle of the Chickens and Rats (Keisō emaki) in Two Volumes c. 1650s

Curator: Here we have the "Battle of the Chickens and Rats (Keiso Emaki) in Two Volumes" by Asai Ryoi, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It is a handscroll of considerable length, about 33 centimeters high and over 18 meters long. Editor: Even rolled up like this, these scrolls exude a sense of contained chaos. The patterned fabric hints at the wild narrative within, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. These emaki, or picture scrolls, were designed to be unrolled gradually, revealing a story in segments. The theme of animals battling, in this case, chickens and rats, has fascinating roots in social commentary and popular entertainment. Editor: I'm immediately drawn to the idea of chickens and rats. It feels like a parody of grand historical battles, perhaps a humorous reflection on class conflict. Do we know the original context of these scrolls? Curator: While the specific historical context is debated, such scrolls were frequently enjoyed by a broad audience, and often satirized social hierarchies through animal allegory. The choice of calligraphy by Asai Ryoi also suggests the artist was intentionally making social commentary through the artwork. Editor: So, these aren't just playful images. They're loaded with societal critique, using accessible animal combat as a stand-in for deeper power dynamics. It makes me wonder what other subversive narratives are woven into its visual language. Curator: Exactly. It is interesting to think about the different ways the narrative would be interpreted by different audiences. Editor: Knowing this adds another layer to my understanding. It pushes me to consider the intersection of art, humor, and social commentary, and how it might still resonate today.