Flower Arranging and Tea Ceremony 1895

This is "Flower Arranging and Tea Ceremony" by Yōshū Chikanobu, a woodblock print that offers a glimpse into the refined aesthetics of Meiji-era Japan. The composition is carefully constructed, balancing vertical elements like the scroll and bamboo supports with the horizontal lines of the tatami mats and furniture. The artist uses colour to define the space and create visual harmony. The muted blues and greens of the woman’s kimono and the room's décor create a serene atmosphere, contrasting subtly with the darker tones of the tea table and the vibrant accents of the floral arrangements. Chikanobu's perspective and the interplay of light and shadow contribute to the artwork's depth, while the flattened planes and detailed patterns challenge traditional modes of representation. This elegant arrangement of forms and colours encourages us to consider the values placed on ritual and aesthetics within the cultural context of the time, and how these might be perceived and re-evaluated in the present.