Ono no Komachi Admiring the Moon, with poem by Shinsuitei Bagi c. 1826 - 1834

Curator: Here we have Utagawa Kunisada’s woodblock print, "Ono no Komachi Admiring the Moon," accompanied by a poem by Shinsuitei Bagi. Editor: Ah, the moon! It feels like a sigh in the darkness. But she seems melancholic, doesn't she? Lost in thought, or maybe just lost in the poem? Curator: Ono no Komachi was a famous poet of the Heian period. These prints often explore themes of beauty, aging, and the transience of life within the framework of courtly love and Buddhist philosophy. Editor: I love the juxtaposition of the geometric patterns in her kimono with the delicate plum blossoms. It’s like…order meeting chaos, or maybe acceptance. Curator: The poem is crucial. It adds another layer, giving voice to her feelings as she contemplates the moon, offering insights into her state of mind within the established social norms. Editor: Makes you wonder what she's really thinking. Behind the poem, behind the patterns, what’s the real Komachi dreaming about under that moon? Curator: Exactly, the print invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity, representation, and the narratives embedded within visual culture. Editor: Well, I'm left wondering what dreams the moon reflects back at her. Food for thought, indeed!