Little Lotus Blossom 

John Melville Kelly created this print, *Little Lotus Blossom*, likely in the 1920s or 30s, a period when Asian themes were gaining popularity in Western art. Kelly spent much of his life in Hawai'i, and traveled extensively in East Asia, becoming deeply interested in Japanese printmaking techniques. Here, the artist presents a young woman in traditional Chinese dress, holding a lotus flower. The lotus is a symbol of purity and rebirth in both Buddhism and Hinduism, suggesting a spiritual or philosophical dimension. Kelly’s work reflects the growing fascination with Asian cultures, but also raises questions about cultural appropriation. In a period of increasing globalization, artists often borrowed from other cultures, sometimes without fully understanding the original context. Art historians use various resources to interpret such works, including the artist's biography, the history of printmaking, and studies of cultural exchange. Such research helps us understand the complex social and institutional forces that shaped the production and reception of art.