Rules for the Department of Young Ladies (Shōgaku Joreishiki zukai) c. late 19th century

Editor: This is Adachi Ginkō’s "Rules for the Department of Young Ladies." It depicts scenes of women in what appear to be classrooms. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: Observe how the artist juxtaposes interior scenes with exterior landscapes. Note the women indoors practicing calligraphy juxtaposed against the view of Mount Fuji. What might that juxtaposition symbolize about the aspirations of these young women? Editor: Perhaps a connection between tradition and the wider world? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Precisely. Also, consider the visual weight of the text, the rules themselves. How does that graphic element function in both images? Editor: It's almost like a banner, a proclamation of social order, that ties these scenes together. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The image shows these young women are performing and learning their roles in society.