Ono no Dofu as a Young Man Watching a Frog Jumping at a Willow Branch 1739 - 1820

Curator: This lovely image, titled "Ono no Dofu as a Young Man Watching a Frog Jumping at a Willow Branch," is a Japanese woodblock print by Kitao Shigemasa, dating from 1739 to 1820. Editor: It's striking how delicate the lines are, isn't it? Almost minimalist, but with so much detail in the figure's kimono and the willow tree. I immediately notice the frog—it feels symbolic, like it is part of a bigger visual metaphor. Curator: Exactly! The print depicts Ono no Dofu, a historical figure renowned as a master calligrapher. Legend has it he was once discouraged, feeling his skills weren't improving. He then observed a frog repeatedly attempting to leap onto a willow branch, failing many times, but eventually succeeding. This inspired him to persevere in his art. Editor: So, it's a story about perseverance and not giving up, embodied in the determination of a tiny frog! You have this individual, possibly struggling with self-doubt in his art, then this small creature shows such resolve...and is forever represented here by an artist capturing that fleeting moment in time. And placing Dofu on the side of a winding river reminds me about the unpredictable journey of life. Curator: Shigemasa's work circulated within a vibrant ukiyo-e market, reflecting the cultural values and popular narratives of the time. It reveals the social importance of calligraphy and determination but also suggests that anyone, even frogs, can offer instruction in diligence. Editor: It is tempting to draw parallels to today's focus on identity narratives. We're constantly bombarded with messages about self-improvement. It makes me consider the relationship between this 18th-century message of personal growth through effort and our contemporary focus on intersectional understanding. Are we perpetuating a meritocracy? Curator: It raises interesting points. Though a narrative such as this risks perpetuating some ideals, seeing it contextualized historically does bring some nuance and a deeper understanding of the cultural narratives from which it emerges. Editor: Agreed. This simple print provides so much food for thought, on how messages both change and persist throughout generations. The scene inspires questions about persistence, social standing, art and identity itself. Curator: A beautiful reminder that art's true value lies in its ability to spark new perspectives, and re-examine old ones.