(Plum blossoms) c. 1848 - 1853

Tanomura Chokunyū painted these plum blossoms on paper in 19th century Japan. The plum blossom is a ubiquitous image in East Asian art, often associated with the coming of spring and with qualities like perseverance and hope. What makes this image particularly interesting is the close relationship in Japan between artistic practice and literary culture. In addition to painting the plum blossoms, Chokunyū has inscribed a poem in elegant calligraphy beside the image. The combination of painting and text transforms the artwork into a space of contemplation, inviting viewers to meditate on the themes evoked by the plum blossom. The artist was a member of the literati, a social class of scholars with enormous cultural influence. The literati saw artistic creation as an essential part of intellectual life and they often combined poetry, calligraphy, and painting in their works. To fully understand this artwork, we might research the historical context of the Japanese literati, or explore the rich symbolism of the plum blossom in East Asian art and literature. Only then can we understand the social values that it embodies.