Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe) c. 1984 - 1986

Curator: This is "Page from Hagoromo (Feathered Robe)" by Matsubara Naoko, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The swirling magenta of the robe and hair immediately evokes a sense of theatrical drama and dreamlike ecstasy. Curator: The Hagoromo tale is a classic Noh play, and Naoko's work captures the moment a celestial being is caught on earth when a fisherman steals her feathered robe. Editor: So the robe symbolizes not just beauty, but also a loss of freedom and divine power? It’s a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities we all share. Curator: Absolutely, and by using a woodblock print technique, Naoko connects to a deep lineage of Japanese printmaking traditions—a very democratic medium. Editor: Seeing the visual connection between the robe and the hair also suggests the fluidity of identity and experience. Curator: A fitting interpretation, considering Hagoromo delves into themes of desire, longing, and the ties between heaven and earth. Editor: I leave with an appreciation for the enduring power of these stories—and for Naoko's ability to breathe new life into them.