Vos op paard 1860

Editor: This is “Fox on Horse,” a woodblock print from 1860 by Utagawa Yoshiiku, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It strikes me as quite whimsical, almost cartoonish, but there’s something deeper happening here. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, a delightful image filled with cultural resonance. Consider the fox, or kitsune, in Japanese folklore. It’s not merely an animal, but a shapeshifter, often associated with trickery, intelligence, and even spiritual power. Its presence transforms the seemingly mundane scene into something more profound. Are those men chasing the fox? Editor: They seem to be. They're dressed minimally with those straw hats and appear frantic. Curator: Observe the flames above their heads – perhaps representing their intense desires or even a kind of spiritual trial. This could be a satirical commentary on human nature, with the fox embodying a kind of mischievous freedom in contrast to their frantic pursuit. And do you notice the specific type of horse? Editor: You mean the name "Miyako Uma" in the writing. But how would ordinary viewers at the time recognize these things? Curator: Precisely. At the time people would understand and share these symbolisms. Recognizing that opens up avenues into the artist's intent and social criticism embedded within a familiar narrative structure. Editor: So it’s much more than just a funny picture of a fox riding a horse. I’ll definitely look at ukiyo-e with fresh eyes from now on! Curator: Indeed. Images often hold layered meanings that reflect collective anxieties, aspirations, and cultural memories. It's like a visual echo of stories told and retold.