Tamura Shōgun, from the series Twenty-Four Generals for the Katsushika Circle (Katsushika nijÅ«shishō) c. 1821

Curator: Gakutei's print, “Tamura Shogun,” from the series Twenty-Four Generals for the Katsushika Circle, presents us with a legendary figure. The dimensions of the paper are roughly 20 by 18 centimeters. Editor: The patterned armor creates an almost abstract field, disrupted by the diagonals of the bow. Curator: It's interesting to consider the context of this series; these generals were popular figures whose images reinforced the socio-political order. Editor: Note how Gakutei uses varied textures to distinguish the materials—the smooth face, the rough armor, and the fur of the mythical beast. Curator: Indeed, and the inclusion of calligraphy further enriches the print's narrative and cultural value. Editor: Ultimately, the arrangement creates a powerful, if stylized, vision of leadership.