Disease and Folklore in Everyday Culture: Netsuke of Shoki's Dream
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
The Netsuke of Shoki’s Dream from the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk represents the breakdown of class barriers and the threat of disease during the Edo era of Japan (Fig. 1). Although knowledge on the background of this specific Netsuke is limited, scholars have previously theorized a connection between depictions of Shoki’s dream and smallpox outbreaks in China and Japan (Fig. 2).1 Similarly, scholars have examined the value of materials used in Netsukerelative to the wealth and class of the commissioner. Examining this Netsuke through an epidemiological lens as well as an art history lens provides more specific insight into the intention behind its creation and what purpose it served.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Agnieszka Whelan
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Art History
College Affiliation
College of Arts & Letters
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
Asian Art and Architecture
Session Title
Art History Session 3 - Art History in Action
Location
Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306
Start Date
3-30-2024 12:00 PM
End Date
3-30-2024 1:00 PM
Disease and Folklore in Everyday Culture: Netsuke of Shoki's Dream
Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306
The Netsuke of Shoki’s Dream from the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk represents the breakdown of class barriers and the threat of disease during the Edo era of Japan (Fig. 1). Although knowledge on the background of this specific Netsuke is limited, scholars have previously theorized a connection between depictions of Shoki’s dream and smallpox outbreaks in China and Japan (Fig. 2).1 Similarly, scholars have examined the value of materials used in Netsukerelative to the wealth and class of the commissioner. Examining this Netsuke through an epidemiological lens as well as an art history lens provides more specific insight into the intention behind its creation and what purpose it served.