Courtesan and Two Kamuro Representing Hotei, from the series Representations of the 7 Lucky Gods, by the Hanagasa Poetry Club 

Curator: Shuntei's print, "Courtesan and Two Kamuro Representing Hotei," is fascinating. It depicts a courtesan and her young attendants embodying one of the seven lucky gods. What strikes you initially? Editor: Well, it's interesting to see women in these roles, considering the traditional male representation of the gods. What do you make of that? Curator: Exactly. It challenges the established power structures by subverting expectations. How does gender influence our perception of divinity and luck within this historical and social context? Editor: It really makes you think about who gets to embody luck and fortune, and how gender plays into that. Curator: Precisely! Considering women's limited agency in Edo-period Japan, their representation as Hotei becomes a subtle but powerful form of social commentary. Editor: I see, thanks for helping me unpack that. It's really opened my eyes. Curator: It's been a thought-provoking journey for me as well.