Ox herder as Mitate of Kengyu_ c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Teisai Hokuba’s 19th-century watercolor and ink painting, "Ox herder as Mitate of Kengyu," currently residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. What strikes me most is its stark simplicity. It's minimal, yet evocative. How do you interpret this work, especially with its unique title? Curator: The title hints at the painting’s symbolic richness. Notice how the ox herder image isn't straightforward? It's a "mitate," a visual metaphor alluding to Kengyu, the Cowherd star in Japanese folklore, and the Tanabata festival. The image transforms the mundane into a celestial narrative of love and reunion. Can you see the cultural memory embedded in it? Editor: I see it a bit, yes. So the ox herder figure represents the Cowherd star, separated from his lover? Is there any symbolic connection of an Ox, to a real cowherd's life? Curator: Precisely! The ox in East Asian cultures often embodies diligence and strength, echoing the Cowherd's earthly labors before his divine status. And it reflects the continuous cycle of agricultural life deeply interwoven with human destiny, don't you think? Editor: That connection to everyday life makes the story more relatable, more human, even within its mythological context. The calligraphic elements also suggest more to this visual experience! Curator: Absolutely! Calligraphy is an art form in itself. Beyond the literal meaning, the brushstrokes capture an ephemeral moment, a fleeting emotion associated with separation and longing – the core themes of the Tanabata story. Editor: So, the whole piece is essentially a layered symbolic representation – blending daily life with a profound narrative. I'm gaining such an appreciation for Ukiyo-e through your expertise. Curator: Indeed, this Ukiyo-e offers a fascinating window into how a culture encodes and transmits its values through art! A constant process of revealing continuity over time.