Goddess Konohana Sakuyahime (Konohana Sakuyahime no mikoto), detached page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei), vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Editor: Wow, there's a real dreamy feel to this print, all soft lines and muted tones. She seems so peaceful. Curator: This is Hokusai's "Goddess Konohana Sakuyahime" from his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." It's fascinating to see how he interprets the goddess, drawing upon Shinto beliefs and linking her to the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Editor: Cherry blossoms! That explains the branch above her head. Is she looking at herself in a mirror? It almost feels like she's contemplating her own mortality. Curator: Possibly. Konohana Sakuyahime is often seen as a symbol of female power, beauty, and also the fleeting nature of life. The mirror could represent self-awareness, even the acceptance of impermanence within a patriarchal system. Editor: It's funny how such a delicate image can hold such potent ideas. It's more than just a pretty picture; it's a whole world of symbolism. Curator: Exactly. Hokusai gives us a lens through which to consider the complex roles and representations of women in Japanese society, and beyond.