(Rats carrying treasures) Possibly 1864

This is Hanzan's (Rats carrying treasures), made in Japan, likely in the mid-19th century, with woodblock print and ink on paper. The artwork presents a whimsical scene framed by calligraphic panels. The central image captures rats in human-like attire engaged in carrying treasures, set against a backdrop of a traditional Japanese building. The composition is structured yet playful, blending text and image in a grid. The contrast between the geometric shapes of the text boxes and the organic forms of the rats creates a sense of visual tension. The scale is compressed, the foreground merging with the background, flattening depth, and enhancing the image's surface quality. This approach destabilizes traditional notions of perspective. The materiality of the woodblock print, with its distinct lines and textures, adds another layer to its meaning. The artwork invites us to consider the semiotic interplay between text and image, challenging fixed meanings and engaging with cultural codes.