Illustrated Story about late-17th-century Nouveaux Riches (Ogon suidaijin sakazuki by Tamenaga Shunsui II, 1823-1886), first of two manuscript volumes c. 1853

Curator: This is a page from Illustrated Story about late-17th-century Nouveaux Riches created by Yamada Kunijirō, also known as IchiyÅ«sai II, or Kuniteru. The book is housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is one of stark simplicity; the monochromatic ink drawings against the aged paper give it a raw, almost urgent feel. Curator: Indeed, the loose brushstrokes capture a sense of dynamism. These illustrations offer a fascinating glimpse into the Edo period's evolving social hierarchy, and the satire regarding new wealth is quite sharp. Editor: I'm struck by how the artist uses line to convey emotion and status. The figures in the foreground seem to be interacting with those in the background, almost a commentary on class division. Are they mocking the lower classes? Curator: It’s hard to say definitively, but it's clear that Kunijirō aimed to provoke thought about social mobility and the values associated with it. Editor: It feels like the artist is inviting us to confront uncomfortable truths about wealth and power, not just in the 17th century, but today as well. Curator: Absolutely, examining this work reminds us that art often reflects and shapes our understanding of societal structures across time.