Dancing Girl Mimyō from the Mirror of the East (Maime Mimyō: Azuma kagami), from the series Twenty-Four Japanese Paragons of Filial Piety for the Honchō Circle (Honchōren honchō nijÅ«shikō) c. 1821 - 1822

Curator: Yashima Gakutei's woodblock print, "Dancing Girl Mimyo from the Mirror of the East," showcases a performer in elaborate costume. It is part of a series celebrating filial piety, but what does a dancing girl have to do with virtue? Editor: I was wondering that too! The figure seems weighed down by the garments and headdress. What's the connection to filial piety? Curator: The series connects virtuous acts to well-known figures, linking moral lessons with popular imagery. The choice of a dancer highlights the role of the entertainment industry in Edo society. The series subtly elevated the cultural status of performers. Editor: So, it's not just about the story, but about who is telling it and why? Curator: Precisely! Gakutei uses this subject matter to subtly challenge social norms, presenting performers as figures worthy of respect within the "floating world" or popular culture.