Letters of Returning Geese (Kigan no fumi), volume 2 from The Stone Monument of Ishibumi (Tsubo no Ishibumi) c. 1698

Editor: This is volume 2 of "Letters of Returning Geese" from "The Stone Monument of Ishibumi," attributed to Ishikawa Ryūsen. It looks like a page from a book. The women depicted seem to be performing music. What can you tell me about the social role of the arts in this work? Curator: Consider the book's historical context. How might its imagery, the depiction of women and musical performance, have reflected or reinforced societal norms? Were these images accessible to a broad public, or were they intended for a specific social class? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't thought about it in terms of access. Curator: Thinking about the consumption of art is crucial. Understanding who could see and interact with this work illuminates its impact on its contemporary society. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider! Thanks!