Dragon Climbing a Waterfall 

Curator: This is Utagawa Toyohiro's "Dragon Climbing a Waterfall," housed here at Harvard. What strikes you first about this shikishiban print? Editor: The dragon seems less fearsome and more... determined. Like he’s really putting in the effort to get up that waterfall. It's endearing, almost humorous. Curator: Indeed. The composition cleverly uses the waterfall to emphasize the dragon's upward struggle. The plum blossoms add a layer of delicate beauty, a stark contrast to the dragon's might. Editor: I agree, there's an interesting tension between the soft blossoms and the dynamic water flow. It is also framed, and thus, presented as a symbolic offering. Is it about a test of power or an apotheosis? Curator: Perhaps both. Dragons, in East Asian art, symbolize power, wisdom, and good fortune, and overcoming the waterfall is a metaphor for achieving enlightenment. It's a reminder that even the most powerful beings must persevere. Editor: A comforting thought. I appreciate the tension and the duality. Curator: Exactly. There is always a lesson in dualism.