Ro Shungi (Chinese: Lu Junyi), from the series Elegant Women's The Water Margin: From One Hundred and Eight Figures (Fuzoku onna Suikoden: Ippyaku-hachinin no uchi) c. 1828 - 1832

Curator: Here we have Utagawa Kuniyoshi's woodblock print, "Ro Shungi," part of his "Elegant Women's The Water Margin" series. Editor: It’s a curious composition. The patterned robes and turban strike me first; they lend an air of cool detachment to the figure, contrasting with the rather imposing ox. Curator: Indeed. Kuniyoshi's use of line is masterful, defining the forms and textures—the rough hide of the ox, the delicate patterns in the woman's clothing. The interplay of positive and negative space creates a dynamic tension. Editor: The series itself is fascinating. Kuniyoshi recasts male heroes from the classic Chinese novel "Water Margin" as elegant women, reflecting Edo-period interests in gender roles and social commentary. The woman’s serene expression is particularly compelling when read in this context. Curator: I agree. The flattened perspective and limited color palette further enhance the visual impact. It's a testament to Kuniyoshi's skill. Editor: It’s clear Kuniyoshi wanted to provoke thought about beauty, power, and gender within the accepted cultural narratives.