Flowers of the Four Seasons c. 17th century

Editor: This is a large folding screen painting, *Flowers of the Four Seasons*, previously attributed to Tawaraya Sōtatsu. The use of mineral pigments creates a vibrant yet earthy feel. What can you tell me about its production? Curator: Consider the gold embellishments. Their application demanded skilled labor, reflecting patronage and social status. How does that affect our understanding of "craft" versus "art" here? Editor: So the materials reveal a hierarchy of labor and value embedded within the art object itself? Curator: Precisely. The artist, workshops involved, and commissioner are all essential components in unpacking its meaning. Editor: I hadn't thought about the social layers involved! Curator: Examining the materials and the processes of creation allows us to appreciate the art in a new dimension.