Sōnan (Chinnen) Picture Album (Sōnan gafu 楚南画譜) 1834

Onishi Chinnen created this image in the first half of the 19th century as part of his Sōnan Picture Album using ink and color on paper. Chinnen was a literati artist, which means he was part of a class of intellectuals who saw painting, calligraphy, and poetry as central to their identity. This image features personified animals seemingly engaged in human activities, like hunting with bows and arrows, which complicates our understanding of identity. The turtles, animals often associated with longevity and steadfastness, are depicted here as active agents of violence. Meanwhile, the frogs observe or perhaps direct the hunt. The lighthearted portrayal softens the implications of violence. This blurring of boundaries asks us to consider the social and political events of the Edo period, which was marked by relative peace and stability, but also rigid social hierarchies. Although these images may initially amuse, they invite us to reflect on the diverse ways we express ourselves, the roles we play in society, and the possible disruptions of traditional norms.