"PEONIES" Ink on paper

Editor: So, this is "Peonies" by Oki Ichiga. It's undated, but Ichiga lived from 1797 to 1855. It’s a print, and I'm struck by how delicately it captures the flowers. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: This piece reflects the rising popularity of botanical studies within Edo period Japan. How do you think the increasing circulation of printed images like this shaped perceptions of nature and class? Editor: I guess it made nature more accessible, not just something for the wealthy elite to enjoy in private gardens. Curator: Precisely. Woodblock prints democratized art and knowledge. Consider how this accessibility might have influenced social values and the collective understanding of beauty. Editor: I never considered the politics of floral prints before! Curator: Understanding the socio-political impact reveals how art shapes, and is shaped by, cultural values.