Pekingese 1800 - 1868

Curator: Welcome. Let's turn our attention to this lovely drawing attributed to the Hokusai School, dating from 1800 to 1868. It's entitled "Pekingese" and rendered in ink. What’s your first take? Editor: It reminds me of a grumpy professor perched on a twig. A very stylish professor, mind you. But that face! I wouldn't want to cross it. The contrast between that regal bearing and the delicate flowers is pure comedy gold. Curator: An intriguing interpretation. Structurally, the artist employs a delicate balance of line and wash to construct the animal’s form, using darker inks to define the outlines, while lighter washes create the illusion of fur and depth. This juxtaposition creates an intriguing textural dialogue. Editor: Textural dialogue – I like that! For me, the charm lies in how utterly unidealized the dog is. It feels so real, so particular, with those slightly crossed eyes and that ridiculous haircut. It is like they captured its personality with such affection that I find funny. Curator: Affection, perhaps, though one could also argue that the work serves as a semiotic marker of status, with the Pekingese dog being a symbol of wealth and privilege during that period in certain cultures. The artist has positioned the figure centrally, reinforcing the dominance of the subject within the composition. Editor: Oh, I see what you mean, a symbol floating amidst chrysanthemums. But, still, the dog seems so un-self-conscious! All that fluffy chaos—it's beautiful and a bit daft. I just love it! Curator: Your perspective introduces an interesting layer of reception, prompting a re-evaluation of the formal elements at play. Editor: Well, there you go. Fluff and rigor, hand in paw. What a splendid little dog—symbol or no symbol. I shall name it Professor Woofers! Curator: A suitably eccentric moniker for such a distinctive representation, indeed.