“Beans for Tossing During Setsubun Exorcism Ceremony,” from the series Ise Calendars for the Asakusa Group (Asakusa-gawa Ise goyomi) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2 1810s

Curator: Hmm, a quiet still life. Sort of ghostly with the muted colors and off-center composition. I feel like I’m peeking into someone’s private ritual. Editor: Indeed! Let’s orient ourselves. This is a print dating from the 1810s by Kubo Shunman entitled "Beans for Tossing During Setsubun Exorcism Ceremony," part of his Ise Calendars series. It depicts elements related to Setsubun, a seasonal festival celebrating the coming of spring in Japan. Curator: Ah, exorcism! That explains the beans then? I thought maybe a whimsical breakfast. Tell me more. Editor: Observe the details. The container overflowing with roasted soybeans is central to the Setsubun ritual. People toss these beans while chanting "Demons out! Good fortune in!" This act symbolizes cleansing away the previous year's misfortunes and inviting good luck. The ceremonial cap is for warding off evil, and the text that accompanies it adds an even more ritualistic layer. Curator: It's beautiful in its understated way. The way Shunman layers the objects, the patterned cloth underneath, creates a sense of depth despite the print's flatness. I almost miss the branches, the greenery creeping at the bottom edge, like life re-emerging after winter’s hold. Does this capture the spirit of transition, a gentle, hopeful start? Editor: Precisely. Ukiyo-e prints, like this one, often served multiple functions – artistic expression, records of cultural practices, and even calendars. It provides a glimpse into the symbolic world of early 19th-century Japan and of one specific ritual, encapsulating a collective yearning for renewal and prosperity. Curator: Knowing it's part of a calendar series adds another layer. This isn't just a snapshot of a moment but a marker of time, a visual promise tied to the cycle of seasons. Like a tiny charm meant to keep you company throughout the year. It seems that I'd have something new to discover about it every time I look. Editor: It's remarkable how much symbolic weight is packed into such a visually sparse work. Curator: It gives one pause... Maybe I should go buy some beans. Editor: It can't hurt.