SEATED WOMAN HOLDS UP SHIELD 

Editor: This woodblock print, "Seated Woman Holds up Shield," by Kitagawa Utamaro II, is so intriguing! The colors are soft, but the scene feels quite dynamic, almost like a captured moment. What’s your take on it? Curator: It's a tender yet slightly chaotic domestic scene, isn't it? I'm drawn to the contrast between the woman's serene expression and the child brandishing an axe. Perhaps it’s a glimpse into the dual nature of motherhood—the peaceful moments intertwined with the wild energy of raising a child. Editor: That’s beautiful. I hadn’t thought about that duality. I appreciate that. Curator: Art opens up new perspectives if you just open up your mind!