Shōki capturing a demon with a hat c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have “Shōki capturing a demon with a hat,” a small, late 19th-century ivory sculpture housed right here at Mia. The detail is just incredible for something so miniature, and Shōki's expression is really intense. What’s your read on this piece? Curator: What strikes me is the material itself, ivory. Think about where this ivory came from, the labour involved in acquiring it, processing it. These sculptures were luxury items, indicators of wealth and status in a rapidly changing society. Editor: So, the ivory itself tells a story? Beyond just being a beautiful medium? Curator: Absolutely. It speaks to colonial trade routes, exploitation of resources, and the cultural values attached to certain materials. What was the function of these small sculptures in 19th century Japan? Were they strictly ornamental, or did they carry symbolic weight related to status or perhaps even warding off evil? Editor: That’s fascinating. I guess I was focusing so much on the artistry of the carving that I didn't really consider where the material originated, or its societal context. Curator: And what about the act of miniaturization itself? Doesn't that change the way it interacts with the owner and their daily life? It demands close inspection; its value lies not just in the aesthetic but in the demonstration of skill and command over a precious commodity. Editor: I see what you mean. Thanks for sharing your insights, looking at the ivory itself as a starting point completely changes the perspective. Curator: Indeed! By looking at materials and production, we can challenge established boundaries between "high art" and what is seen as craft, offering us fresh interpretations of history.