Coin Pouch and Potted Adonis c. 1802

Kubo Shunman created "Coin Pouch and Potted Adonis" as a woodblock print, its date is unknown. The composition presents a still life, juxtaposing a coin pouch with a potted plant, and a column of text in the upper left. The coin pouch, rendered in blocks of black and textured red, dominates the lower portion of the picture plane, creating a visual anchor. Adjacent to it, the potted Adonis introduces organic forms and softer colors, its yellow flowers contrasting against the muted tones of the pouch and the delicate blue patterns of the pot. The textual elements, while not immediately legible to a Western audience, function as integral visual components, balancing the composition and adding layers of meaning through calligraphy. The contrast between geometric and organic shapes reflects on the interplay between human-made objects and nature, inviting contemplation on value, beauty, and transience.