Rats on a Scholar’s Desk 1794 - 1795

Editor: Nagasawa Rosetsu's ink and color on paper hanging scroll, *Rats on a Scholar's Desk*, made in the late 18th century, feels surprisingly modern in its whimsy. What catches my eye most are, well, the rats. What do you see in this playful composition? Curator: The rats are key. They're a potent symbol. Think of the traditional scholar’s desk – a symbol of knowledge, refinement, and order. By placing rats there, Rosetsu introduces a sense of chaos, perhaps even mocking the pretension of scholarly pursuits. Notice how they interact with the objects. Editor: It’s like a subtle rebellion. Are the peacock feathers and coral significant, too? Curator: Definitely. The peacock feathers, often associated with vanity and display, juxtaposed with coral, which can symbolize longevity, creates a dichotomy. It speaks to the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits against a backdrop of enduring ideals, almost like a memento mori. How do the books and their placement factor in? Editor: They seem…disrespected, almost like playthings for the rats. Perhaps the artist is suggesting that knowledge, without wisdom, can be easily corrupted. Curator: Exactly. Rosetsu invites us to question established hierarchies and find humor in unexpected places. It’s not just about rats, but about disrupting the status quo through imagery. Editor: I never thought I’d find so much cultural commentary in a painting of rodents! It seems there’s much more than initially meets the eye. Curator: Indeed. Rosetsu masterfully uses familiar symbols to pose profound questions about life, knowledge, and society. Looking closely reveals rich stories, a lasting cultural resonance that continues to delight.