The Typhoon (Nowaki), Illustration to Chapter 28 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) c. 1509 - 1510

Curator: I find this illustration quite striking. Tosa Mitsunobu's rendition of "The Typhoon (Nowaki)" chapter from the Tale of Genji offers a unique view into Heian-era aesthetics. Editor: It feels so hushed, almost dreamlike. The angled architecture, the soft colors... there's a sense of both intimacy and melancholy. Curator: The composition is brilliant. The depiction of the aristocratic residence, disrupted by a typhoon, reflects the political and social upheavals of the time. Note how nature disrupts the man-made order. Editor: And the figures huddled inside – their expressions are obscured, yet their vulnerability is palpable. There's a real sense of anxiety and displacement, themes that resonate across centuries. Gender and class, too. Curator: Absolutely. And considering the Tale of Genji’s influence on Japanese court society, this image offered a powerful commentary on the fragility of power and privilege. The small scale almost belies that impact. Editor: It encourages us to consider the broader narratives – not just within the Genji but also the lived experiences of women, the role of ceremony, and the ever-present tension between beauty and impermanence. Curator: Yes, seeing this work reminds me of how art can function both as a reflection of society and a catalyst for understanding it. Editor: It's a reminder of how art can give voice to the anxieties that define our shared human condition.