Two Women at the Entrance to a Shrine/ Tiger (Tora) -- Kagurazaka, from the series Allusions to the Twelve Zodiac Animals at Famous Places in Edo for the Ichiyō Circle (Ichiyōren Edo meisho mitate jÅ«nishi), with poems by Bunpōsha Ebimaru and Bunbunsha Possibly 1827

Curator: I am struck by the intimacy of Yashima Gakutei's print, "Two Women at the Entrance to a Shrine/ Tiger (Tora) -- Kagurazaka." Its small scale, just over 8 inches tall, draws you into a private moment. Editor: It feels very contained, almost claustrophobic, despite the open space. The floral border traps the two figures. I wonder about their relationship to each other and to the shrine itself? Curator: This work, part of a series alluding to the twelve zodiac animals, subtly incorporates political and social commentary through its imagery. The shrine setting, for example, could be interpreted as a symbol of traditional power structures. Editor: Absolutely. And the women themselves, in their elaborate kimonos, are positioned at the threshold. Are they entering or exiting? What choices, what agency do they have within this historical context? Curator: Examining the poems accompanying the image, penned by Bunpōsha Ebimaru and Bunbunsha, further enriches our understanding. Are they lamenting the lack of female empowerment, perhaps? Editor: Regardless, this glimpse into Edo-period Japan urges us to reflect on how these women navigate a complex intersection of tradition, religion, and societal expectation. Curator: Indeed. It's a beautiful piece that reminds us of the enduring power of art to spark dialogue across centuries.