Incense That Revives the Image of the Dead - Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty 1765

Komatsuya Hyakki created this woodblock print titled, *Incense That Revives the Image of the Dead - Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty* in Japan during the Edo period. This was a time when Japanese society was highly structured, with strict social hierarchies and limited opportunities for social mobility. The print depicts Emperor Wu, a powerful ruler from Chinese history, gazing wistfully at incense smoke, perhaps seeking to connect with the past. Komatsuya, working within this context, created a print that subtly challenged the status quo through its commentary on power, memory, and identity. He lived in a time of strict social order, yet he dared to depict a ruler longing for something beyond his grasp. Komatsuya was a printmaker of relatively low social standing who nevertheless had the audacity to depict someone of the highest position. The print also presents a fascinating exploration of cultural exchange and identity, referencing Chinese history to create something distinctly Japanese. The emotional depth and complexity hint at the artist's own experiences and beliefs.