The Hana-no-en Chapter from "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Hana-no-en), from a series of Genji parodies c. 1710

Editor: We're looking at Okumura Masanobu's "The Hana-no-en Chapter from 'The Tale of Genji'," a print from around 1710 currently residing at The Art Institute of Chicago. It’s a very intimate scene; the monochromatic ink lines create such a sense of quiet domesticity. What leaps out at you? Curator: Well, firstly, it whispers of secrets, doesn't it? Ukiyo-e, these "pictures of the floating world," were often much more than just pretty faces. Think of them as cultural commentary wrapped in gorgeous design. This parody…are they subtly poking fun at the Genji tale’s elite world with these simplified figures, this rather…*ahem*...stark presentation? What do you make of the cherry blossoms placed right next to what seems like an indoor gathering? Editor: I hadn’t considered that, the stark presentation serving as commentary. I suppose I was focusing on the musicality of the scene. But what is the purpose of this paradox between seasons by having both the indoor gathering as well as the spring blooms outside? Curator: Paradox is a lovely way to put it! Could it be yearning, perhaps? A desire to be outside, amidst nature, but constrained by social expectations, represented by that austere interior and maybe this very simple drawing technique? Also, I'd venture a guess that Masanobu might have chosen to focus the subject matter with the interior figures being the subject of this particular painting and the outdoors simply being a reference for the overall context and or aesthetic for the mood that they are trying to establish in the print. How do the characters' robes make you feel? Editor: I think I’m starting to understand it a little more now. It’s not just a pretty picture, it's a story, an inside joke almost. The cherry blossom design contrasts what feels like an informal gathering in plain clothing and surroundings to set an immersive environment to explore how they reflect back on one another through social tension and seasonal tension to reflect each others emotion. The clothing helps distinguish each member of this indoor outing and how they choose to dress also defines their relationship together. Curator: Precisely! These prints open up a whole world once you start reading between the lines. The cultural context can change your interpretation of each individual design!