Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated (Yōkyoku gojÅ«-ban), 7th of 10 Volumes c. 17th century

Editor: This is the seventh volume of "Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated" by Tosa Mitsuoki. It's undated and uses ink and color on paper. The pale blue background and bamboo designs give it a very serene feel. What do you see here? Curator: Beyond the serenity, I see a powerful statement about cultural preservation. During the Edo period, artistic traditions were often used to reinforce social hierarchies. This book, representing classic Noh plays, speaks to a desire to preserve and elevate traditional Japanese art forms against the backdrop of changing social and political landscapes. How does the choice of bamboo resonate with you? Editor: I see bamboo as resilient and flexible. Curator: Exactly! It's a symbol of strength and adaptability, mirroring the resilience of artistic traditions in a dynamic world. Editor: That gives me a whole new appreciation for it! Curator: Me too, every time I view it.