Deity Listening to Courtier Playing Flute: The Sagoromo Captain (Sagoromo no taishō), from the series Three Gentlemen of Japanese Literature (Washo sankōshi) c. 1819 - 1820

Editor: Here we have Yashima Gakutei's "Deity Listening to Courtier Playing Flute," part of the "Three Gentlemen of Japanese Literature" series. It's a vibrant print, but I'm curious about the power dynamic suggested by the figures. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a commentary on societal hierarchies embedded within artistic expression. The Sagoromo Captain, a figure of privilege, is being serenaded, possibly even judged, by a deity. This juxtaposition raises questions about who holds true power: earthly figures or spiritual entities? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn’t considered the judgement aspect. Curator: Consider the gaze, or lack thereof. The deity seems detached, perhaps disapproving. Gakutei might be critiquing the perceived infallibility of the aristocracy. It prompts us to explore the intersections of class, spirituality, and artistic representation. Editor: I see. So it's not just a pretty picture, but a reflection on social structures. Curator: Exactly. Art offers a lens through which we can examine the complexities of power and privilege within historical contexts. Editor: I never would have thought of that on my own. Thanks!