Old Manji's Cursive Picture Album (Manjiō sōhitsu gafu 卍翁艸筆画譜) 1843

This is *Old Manji's Cursive Picture Album*, made by Katsushika Hokusai, sometime before he died in 1849. During the Edo period in Japan, artists like Hokusai navigated a society that was highly structured and hierarchical. His work often reflects the lives of common people, alongside commentary on the social norms and values of the time. Here we see an intimate scene with two women. It is reminiscent of the floating world genre that often depicted women in domestic settings or engaging in artistic pursuits. Yet, it subtly challenges traditional representations of women by presenting them as individuals with their own stories and agency. The poems on the opposing pages add another layer. They offer commentary on themes of love, loss, and the transient nature of life. Together the image and text invite us to reflect on the human condition. The album is not just a visual or literary experience. It offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of identity, history, and culture.