The Hour of the Cock 

Editor: This is "The Hour of the Cock" by Kitagawa Utamaro. The piece, crafted with traditional painting techniques, immediately draws me in with its elegant lines and subtle coloring. There's an undeniable serenity, almost a contained energy. How do you interpret this work from a formalist point of view? Curator: Indeed. Let us consider first the composition. Note how Utamaro employs a deliberate asymmetry, positioning the figure off-center. The flowing lines of the robe contrast with the tightly bound hair, creating a visual tension. And what do you observe about the use of color? Editor: The palette seems intentionally muted – soft yellows and blacks. The limited range gives it a sort of timeless feel. Curator: Precisely. It invites closer inspection of form and line, moving our focus from a superficial assessment to an appreciation of the formal structure of the image itself. Utamaro uses contour to create volume and dimensionality, even in the absence of strong shading. Is that an effect you appreciate? Editor: I do, and the curves make her pose seem dynamic, despite the overall calmness you mentioned earlier. It's like a contained force, which then creates contrast within the work. Curator: Yes, and it makes me appreciate that within the formalist framework, a seemingly simple image reveals a sophisticated arrangement of pictorial elements to achieve aesthetic balance and harmony. And what’s been achieved visually, seems like the totality of the image? Editor: I agree. By looking at its pure construction, and just at the lines and colours used, it makes more clear the image. Thank you so much for your time!