FÅ«ryÅ« Yatsushi Genji: Asagao c. 1790

Editor: This lovely print, "Fūryū Yatsushi Genji: Asagao" by Chōbunsai Eishi, from the Late Edo period, has a quiet and contemplative mood. What cultural stories do you think it's trying to tell? Curator: Notice how the morning glory, or "asagao," climbs near the women. In Japanese art, it represents fleeting beauty and the ephemeral nature of life. The women, perhaps courtesans, are framed within a space that both confines and offers a glimpse of the wider world. Does that tension resonate with you? Editor: Definitely. It makes me think about societal expectations and individual desires. Thanks for pointing out the symbolism. Curator: My pleasure. By understanding the symbolism within the artwork, we gain insight into Japanese cultural values and the emotional lives represented.