Minamoto Tametomo, from the series The Unofficial History of Japan (Nihon gaishi no uchi) Possibly 1884

Editor: Here we have Kobayashi Kiyochika's woodblock print, Minamoto Tametomo, from the series The Unofficial History of Japan. The dramatic waves dominate the composition, and the figures seem quite small in comparison. How does the historical context influence the visual narrative? Curator: This print reflects the Meiji era's fascination with historical narratives. Kiyochika uses the tale of Minamoto Tametomo to perhaps comment on contemporary political power and the romanticized image of the samurai. The dramatic scene evokes a sense of national identity and resilience, which was valuable in the Meiji period. What do you think the artist is saying about the changing role of warriors in modern Japan? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the artist's perspective on the samurai class during such a transitional time. Curator: Exactly. By looking at historical prints like this, we can gain insight into the political and social climate in which they were created and consumed.