Courtier Playing a Flute to Accompany a Bugaku Dance 1810

Curator: This is Kubo Shunman’s "Courtier Playing a Flute to Accompany a Bugaku Dance," created around 1810. It’s a striking woodblock print from the Ukiyo-e tradition. Editor: Immediately I’m struck by the quiet drama, a soft evening under a stylized moon. There’s a feeling of anticipation, of performance about to happen, yet stillness permeates the scene. The colours, especially that ochre are just beautiful. Curator: Indeed. Bugaku was a ceremonial dance performed at the Japanese imperial court. These prints allowed access to a very elite art form for a wider audience. Disseminating culture was very important at that time. Editor: I love how stylized the dancer is; almost puppet-like with their rigid costume and exaggerated movements. I wonder if the flute player, lost in their melody, truly sees them or is completely engrossed in his own art. I guess the person at the side must be a sound conductor, right? Curator: It is difficult to tell. It could be the assistant of the flute player. Note also how the lines of the architecture – the lattice windows, the tiled floor – create a strong contrast with the naturalistic clouds and moon outside, framing the whole performance. A stage for refined rituals and privileged encounters, yet hinting the common touch by means of its prints. Editor: Yes, I’m drawn to those details now. The sword laid casually, but not too casually. And the poem inscribed. This little stage becomes such a big place for dreams. What I take most from this piece, actually, is that you can access something beautiful by more than one path at the time. Curator: Absolutely. I think it speaks to how Ukiyo-e democratized a rarified world while highlighting the crucial role of patrons and public appreciation in the flourishing of the arts. Editor: That’s a great point. This print seems so modern to me. I wish there was music.