Copy of Chinzan’s -Peach Blossoms- 1852

Kokubu Bun’yū created this ink-on-paper hanging scroll, a copy of Chinzan's "Peach Blossoms," sometime in the late 19th century. Bun’yū lived during a tumultuous period in Japanese history, witnessing the end of the Edo period and the beginning of modernization under the Meiji Restoration. Bun’yū, like many artists of his time, navigated the complexities of preserving traditional artistic practices while engaging with new influences. The choice to copy Chinzan, reflects an engagement with artistic heritage. The peach blossom motif is rich with cultural significance in East Asian art, symbolizing longevity, immortality, and springtime. Consider how the act of copying itself—a traditional method of learning and honoring past masters—intersects with the themes of renewal and continuity represented by the peach blossoms. What does it mean to recreate an image associated with longevity during a time of immense social and cultural change? As you stand here, let the delicate rendering of each blossom invite you to reflect on the enduring power of art to connect us to the past, even as we move into an uncertain future.