Picture Album by Ōson (Hōitsu) (Ōson fuga) 1817

Editor: This is "Picture Album by Ōson (Hōitsu) (Ōson fuga)," a set of watercolors and prints from 1817, created by Sakai Hōitsu. It's lovely, the soft colours and simple forms feel very peaceful, almost dreamlike. How would you interpret this work within its historical context? Curator: That feeling of serenity is carefully constructed, reflecting the Rinpa school's aesthetic. Considering its historical moment, Japan in the Edo period experienced relative peace. Patronage shifted, with wealthy merchants becoming key art consumers, fostering a vibrant urban culture that celebrated beauty and leisure. What do you think about the album format and the accessibility of prints in this period? Editor: It strikes me that the album format would allow these scenes to be appreciated more intimately than a large painting intended for public display. Curator: Exactly. The political implications are subtle, but the rise of merchants and their art preferences, such as ukiyo-e and Rinpa, signaled a diversification of power structures away from the traditional elite. This imagery, although seemingly apolitical, helped define a sense of national identity and promoted cultural tourism. Notice how the images depict famous locations like Mt. Fuji. Can you think of how those images serve as symbolic representation of Japan at the time? Editor: That's fascinating. I guess, by showcasing the nation’s landmarks, the album played a role in shaping people's perceptions and pride in their homeland, it contributed to the developing collective identity through idealized landscapes. Curator: Precisely! These images subtly served both aesthetic and socio-political functions. They shaped public perceptions of beauty, encouraged tourism, and fostered a sense of cultural identity in a changing social landscape. Editor: It’s been really eye-opening to look beyond the beautiful surface and understand the artwork's subtle socio-political role at the time. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure, understanding that art is deeply interwoven with its social fabric enriches our view, wouldn’t you agree?