Yura no Suke at the Tea House, Ichiriki/ Act 7 (Nana dan me), from the series The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Kanadenon chÅ«shingura) Edo period,

Editor: Here we have Hokusai’s woodblock print, "Yura no Suke at the Tea House." I’m struck by the layered composition; it feels like we're peeking into a private, theatrical scene. What do you see happening here? Curator: This print references a pivotal scene from the Chushingura story. Note how the setting—the Ichiriki teahouse—becomes a stage where Yura no Suke is supposedly indulging in pleasure, yet he is secretly plotting revenge. The placement of figures—the woman above, Yura no Suke in the middle, and the crouching figure below—suggests a hierarchy of power and knowledge within this politically charged environment. Editor: So, the teahouse setting is important because it contrasts with the serious plot of revenge? Curator: Precisely. The seemingly frivolous setting underscores the theme of deception, which was a commentary on social norms during the Edo period and the delicate balance between public appearance and private intention. What do you think the artist is trying to suggest about the role of the tea house in society? Editor: I guess it's more than just a place for tea; it’s a stage for performing social roles. Curator: Exactly! Thinking about the teahouse as a political space really shifts our perspective.