Katsushika shinso gafu 

Curator: Here we see a page from Katsushika Hokusai's Katsushika shinso gafu. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the dynamism captured in such simple forms. The rooster's plumage is meticulously rendered. Curator: Hokusai, born in 1760, worked within a rigid social hierarchy, and depictions of animals often carried symbolic weight. Editor: Yes, and notice how the composition uses negative space to emphasize the rooster's bold silhouette and vibrant maple leaves. Curator: Birds, especially roosters, often represented masculinity and courage, themes that resonate within the socio-political context of feudal Japan. Editor: I find the deliberate placement of the seal creates balance, anchoring the composition. Curator: It's fascinating to consider how artistic expression served as both a reflection and a commentary on the times. Editor: Indeed, a seemingly simple illustration reveals a complex interplay of form and meaning.