pic09610 Hokusai

The double-page spread presents two distinct scenes rendered in a style characteristic of Japanese woodblock prints, though with a rougher, more sketch-like quality than typically seen in finished works. The monochromatic palette, achieved through ink on paper, lends the composition an immediate sense of austerity and focus on line work.
On the left page, we observe a group engaged in what appears to be a medical procedure or examination. A figure with exaggerated facial features – a prominent nose and deeply etched wrinkles – is being attended to by several others. One individual leans over the patient, holding a long, thin instrument that seems to probe near the head. Another sits nearby, observing the scene from a lower vantage point, while a fourth appears to be recording observations on a small tablet or ledger. The overall impression is one of intense scrutiny and perhaps even discomfort for the subject being examined. The exaggerated features suggest a satirical or allegorical intent rather than a straightforward depiction of medical practice; it’s possible that the scene critiques societal norms or institutions through caricature.
The right page presents a contrasting, yet equally peculiar, scenario. Here we see a woman in elaborate robes, her hair meticulously styled and adorned with what appears to be a decorative comb. She is depicted in a dynamic pose, seemingly exhaling a long, undulating stream of vapor that takes the form of a serpentine creature. This fantastical element introduces an air of the supernatural or dreamlike into the composition. A small basket sits near her feet, containing what might be medicinal herbs or other symbolic objects. The woman’s expression is difficult to discern, but theres a sense of detachment and perhaps even amusement in her demeanor.
The juxtaposition of these two scenes across the double spread suggests a thematic connection between physical ailments and spiritual or psychological states. It could be interpreted as an exploration of the bodys vulnerability, the anxieties surrounding illness, and the potential for escapism or transcendence through imagination. The rough execution and exaggerated features throughout both panels point towards a deliberate rejection of realism in favor of conveying symbolic meaning and provoking thought. The presence of text alongside each image suggests that these are illustrations accompanying a narrative – perhaps a satirical tale or a didactic moral lesson.