Kibi no Anihime (Nihongi), from the series Twenty-Four Japanese Paragons of Filial Piety for the Honchō Circle (Honchōren honchō nijÅ«shikō), with poem by Fukunoya Uchinari c. 1821 - 1822

Editor: This is Yashima Gakutei's "Kibi no Anihime," from his series on filial piety. She seems so isolated, standing on that elaborate, almost precarious-looking structure. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: Ah, yes. The isolation, you say? Perhaps it's a reflection of the weight of familial expectation, almost a theatrical stage for her devotion. The poem adds another layer, doesn't it? I wonder, what sacrifices are implied in her stance? Editor: I see what you mean. I guess I was focused on the visual isolation and missed the weight of the story. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely! Art’s like life, layers upon layers; isn't that the joy of digging deeper?