Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated (Yōkyoku gojÅ«-ban), 2nd of 10 Volumes c. 17th century

Editor: This is "Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated," by Tosa Mitsuoki, one of ten volumes. The faded cover and delicate illustration give it such an ephemeral feel. How does the historical context shape our understanding of this book? Curator: Consider the role of illustrated books in disseminating cultural knowledge. Nō plays were an elite art form. How might this book have democratized access, or perhaps reinforced social hierarchies through its consumption? Editor: That's a great point. So it's not just about the art itself, but who had access to it? Curator: Exactly. Think about the patrons, the audience, and the social function it served. That shapes the meaning just as much as the imagery. Editor: Fascinating. I’ll never look at illustrated books the same way again!