Tomo no atai Yakanushi (Shoku nihongoki), from the series Twenty-Four Japanese Paragons of Filial Piety for the Honchō Circle (Honchōren honchō nijÅ«shikō), with poem by Chōseibō Iwane c. 1821 - 1822

Editor: This is Yashima Gakutei's woodblock print, "Tomo no Atai Yakanushi," part of a series on filial piety. The muted colors give it a sense of quiet reverence. What strikes you most about its composition? Curator: It's a visual poem, isn't it? The kneeling figure arranging offerings, the serene couple observing... I see a delicate balance between duty and devotion. Notice how the geometric patterns in the background contrast with the organic shapes of the pine and the kneeling figure's robe, almost like a visual push and pull. Do you feel that tension? Editor: I do! It’s like the order of society against personal expression. I hadn’t noticed that before. Curator: Art is a mirror, reflecting back what we bring to it.