Momotaro Giving the Monkey a Kibidango 

Curator: There's a strange kind of tenderness here. This woodblock print, attributed to Keisai Eisen, pictures Momotaro giving a kibidango to a monkey. It’s a moment of... connection, maybe? Editor: Connection, yes, but let's not overlook the deeply hierarchical power dynamics at play in this image. Momotaro, a figure of authority, literally buying allegiance from the animal kingdom. Curator: I see your point. But something about the delicate lines, the way the monkey reaches out, feels almost vulnerable. It transcends the simple narrative of hero and follower. Editor: Vulnerability is a luxury not afforded to all, especially in a society structured by rigid social strata. This scene normalizes that power imbalance. Curator: Perhaps. Or perhaps it's simply a charming depiction of a folk tale, a moment of shared humanity before the battle begins. Though, I admit, humanity is used loosely here. Editor: "Charming" narratives are often the most insidious, subtly reinforcing systems of oppression. We must question what this narrative upholds. Curator: Question everything, always. Though sometimes, I think, a bit of charm is just a bit of charm. Editor: And sometimes, the charm is a velvet glove. It leaves you pondering the layers of power and representation woven into even the simplest of images.