Illustrated Book of Filial Piety (Ehon kōkyō), vol. 1 

Curator: This is volume one of Katsushika Hokusai's "Illustrated Book of Filial Piety," also known as "Ehon kōkyō," currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it feels like a quiet observation of everyday life, with almost a reverence in its simplicity. Curator: Indeed. "Filial piety," a cornerstone of Confucian ethics, dictates respect and obedience towards one's elders. Hokusai visually interprets these moral tales, likely aiming to reinforce societal norms and gender roles. Editor: Looking at the panels, I'm drawn to the detail in the clothing. The patterns are almost like little worlds themselves, hinting at stories within stories. Curator: Those intricate details are classic Hokusai. The book presents an interesting dialogue between tradition and commerce, exploring social expectations and their economic implications. Editor: Seeing this makes me think about how we tell stories of respect today. Are we still confined by these older narratives, or are we creating our own? Curator: It's an important question, and this book offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the continuities and changes in cultural values. Editor: Absolutely! Looking at it this way, it sparks a really interesting discussion about what it means to honor our past while forging our own paths.