The Four Sleepers c. mid 19th century

Mori Jihō created "The Four Sleepers", a print now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, during a period of significant cultural and social change in Japan. This print depicts what appear to be three men and a tiger, all asleep, and likely references the popular Zen motif of Kanzan, Jittoku, and the tiger. These figures, often seen as outsiders, were known for their unconventional wisdom. The print's composition and theme invite us to consider the relationship between enlightenment and the mundane, between the individual and society. In a rapidly modernizing Japan, Jihō seems to reflect on the value of introspection and the search for meaning outside of societal norms. Consider the emotional resonance of this piece. Does it evoke a sense of peace, of rebellion, or perhaps a little of both? The print encourages us to ask ourselves where we find our own moments of rest and reflection in a world of constant change.