Tôbôsaku steelt onsterfelijkheidsperziken c. 1822 - 1828

Yanagawa Shigenobu created this woodblock print entitled ‘Tôbôsaku Stealing the Peaches of Immortality’ sometime before 1832. This image is steeped in Chinese mythology and its integration into Japanese culture. The tale of Tôbôsaku, a legendary figure known for his cleverness, stealing peaches that grant immortality speaks volumes about the cultural exchange between China and Japan and the enduring fascination with immortality across both cultures. The Rijksmuseum, like many major art institutions, plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting these cultural narratives. It's interesting to consider how the museum’s curation choices shape our understanding of the past. To deepen our understanding, we might explore texts on Sino-Japanese cultural exchange, studies of Edo-period art, and the Rijksmuseum’s own archives. Ultimately, this print highlights the value of art as a window into cultural values, beliefs, and historical interactions.