Woman Asleep on Kotatsu/ Zhizhang, from the series Eight Drinking Immortals (Inchu Hassen), with poems by Kobuchitei Miomaru and FÅ«kintei Shōin Edo period,

Editor: This small print by Hokusai, titled "Woman Asleep on Kotatsu," is from a series called "Eight Drinking Immortals." The woman looks so peaceful, but the stacks of books nearby suggest a world of learning. What strikes you most about its historical context? Curator: It’s fascinating how Hokusai links leisure with intellectual pursuits. The "kotatsu," a heated table, speaks to domestic comfort, while the books denote scholarship. How does the print challenge or reinforce the societal roles of women at the time? Editor: That's interesting to consider. I guess it shows that women could be both domestic and intellectual, which is pretty cool! Curator: Precisely! The print potentially presents a nuanced view, hinting at the integration of traditionally separate spheres within a woman’s life. What does this integration suggest about the changing perceptions of women during Hokusai's time? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It makes you wonder what other hidden messages are in artworks. Thanks for pointing that out!