My Lord bag-o`-Rice 1887

This is a woodblock print entitled 'My Lord Bag-o'-Rice' by Suzuki Kason, made in Japan, between the late 19th and early 20th century. It's a postcard, part of a series of Japanese fairy tales translated into English. The image depicts a scene from the folktale. The hero, Tawara Toda, faces a giant centipede on a mountain, about to shoot it with his bow and arrow. Below, two figures bow in respect. The choice to illustrate and circulate this story in English reflects Japan's engagement with the West during the Meiji era. There was a desire to share their culture but also a need to adapt and translate it for a foreign audience. Consider the role of institutions, like publishing houses and museums, in shaping cultural exchange. How did they influence the way Japanese art and stories were presented and understood abroad? By studying these historical contexts, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, culture, and globalization.