Orgie c. 1870 - 1880

Curator: Kawanabe Kyōsai’s "Orgie", created sometime between 1870 and 1880, is an ink and watercolor drawing currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Quite the vibrant scene, wouldn’t you say? Editor: It certainly catches the eye. The figures appear weightless, almost cartoonish in their poses, like a snapshot from some wildly imagined floating world. What struck you about it initially? Curator: Its departure from the formal traditions of the ukiyo-e aesthetic is what grabbed my attention, honestly. While it nods to the floating world through its themes, its treatment of them is quite subversive. These aren't idealized figures; instead, they have a caricature quality. It almost reads like a political commentary when considering how strictly controlled those artistic representations were under the Tokugawa shogunate, particularly when dealing with erotica. Editor: Interesting! Looking at the material, I can see it wasn't intended as a fine art piece; it has the characteristics of a sketch in a personal sketchbook. What do you think about the lack of the traditional woodblock prints here, in favour of using ink directly onto paper? Its lack of rigid form suggests Kawanabe's artistic labour became free from the strict ukiyo-e form and able to engage in material experimentation. Curator: Yes! It showcases an intimate dialogue between the artist and the medium. It’s unrestrained. This period was also a key time for Japanese artists. During the Meiji era, there was growing interest in Western art forms, which definitely disrupted the conventional art system. This sketch appears to participate in this shift! Editor: Perhaps it can be argued it embodies the period. These dynamic and almost rebellious strokes challenge established hierarchies of taste, giving a voice to raw expression and highlighting art's subversive capabilities. Curator: Indeed. This sketch provides a peek into a pivotal transitional era for Japanese art. Editor: Well, seeing it through both our lenses offers a richer understanding, I think. A playful moment captured through unconventional material applications.