The Monkey King Sun Wukong (Jp. SongokÅ«) 1824

Curator: This striking shikishiban print, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums, depicts "The Monkey King Sun Wukong," and was created by Yashima Gakutei, who lived from 1786 to 1868. Editor: It's got a playful, almost mischievous energy, don't you think? The Monkey King, bathed in this dramatic light, looks like he's about to unleash some glorious chaos. Curator: Absolutely. Sun Wukong is a trickster figure within broader East Asian mythology, and Gakutei captures that rebellious spirit here. Note how the artist situates him not just as a powerful being, but as one playing with power, literally conjuring miniature figures. Editor: Yes, the army emerging from his hand! It makes me think about how we contain multitudes, how a single figure can embody so many different forces and narratives. And the writing, like a musical score. Curator: Exactly, and that's part of the beauty of understanding the artwork's cultural context—it unlocks so many layers of meaning. Editor: This piece kind of makes me want to pick up a brush and just see what happens. It's all about freedom of expression, isn't it?