Rare Tastes of Mountain and Sea 1908

Fukada Chokujō created this painting of a lobster and clams, titled "Rare Tastes of Mountain and Sea" using ink and color on silk. Fukada was active during a time of profound social and political change in Japan. His work is rooted in traditional Japanese painting techniques, yet it reflects the tensions between honoring the past and embracing modernity. The title itself hints at a bridging of worlds, evoking both the natural abundance of Japan and the sophisticated culinary practices of the elite. There is a certain sensuality in the way Fukada renders the textures and forms of the shellfish. The lobster, a symbol of longevity and good fortune, is rendered with meticulous detail, its formidable claws and delicate antennae hinting at both power and vulnerability. Consider how the artwork plays with notions of luxury and privilege, inviting us to reflect on the complex relationship between food, culture, and identity. It’s both celebratory and quietly contemplative.