The "Tale of Genji" (Genji monogatari) in Ten Volumes (JÅ«jo Genji), vol. 5 Possibly 1661

Editor: So, this is volume five of "The Tale of Genji" in Ten Volumes by Nonoguchi Ryūho. It feels so intimate, like a peek into a private world. What strikes you about the social context depicted here? Curator: The arrangement of figures within defined interior spaces speaks volumes about Heian period social structures. Note the elevated platforms, the screens, and the implied hierarchy. Consider how this imagery, reproduced in book form, democratized access to elite culture. Editor: Democratized access? That's fascinating! So, this wasn't just art for the aristocracy? Curator: Precisely! Woodblock printing allowed for wider circulation, shaping perceptions and aspirations across different social strata. What might a commoner have made of this glimpse into courtly life? Editor: I hadn't considered that. It makes me think about the power of images to create both connection and distance. Curator: Indeed. Art serves as a mirror, reflecting societal values while simultaneously constructing them.