Utensils with Decorations for the New Year 19th century

Editor: So, we’re looking at “Utensils with Decorations for the New Year,” a 19th-century woodblock print by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai, currently residing at the Met. There's a striking stillness about this image; it feels very composed, very deliberate. What are your thoughts on this piece, its presentation and overall impact? Curator: The deliberate stillness speaks volumes. This isn't just a depiction of objects; it’s a staging, a carefully constructed representation of cultural values and aspirations. New Year celebrations are deeply entwined with ideas of renewal and prosperity. Look closely—are these utensils simply objects, or symbols of class and gender? Consider the labour involved in their production and maintenance, who is able to acquire or use these? Editor: That’s a great point. The utensils do seem very carefully arranged. The quality of the ceramics indicates wealth. But what about the arrangement with what appear to be Japanese poems? How does it contribute to meaning? Curator: Ah, the poems! The inclusion of poetry adds another layer, connecting material culture with intellectual pursuits, and social traditions of new beginnings. Consider the relationship between text and image. How might this print function as a gift, reinforcing social bonds and conveying status within a specific class structure? Moreover, how might the artist challenge class structures with its chosen imagery or perspective? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it in terms of social performance! I initially saw beauty and tradition, but now I see so many layers of meaning related to status, gender and maybe, social change. Curator: Exactly! This work encourages us to question whose stories are being told and from what point of view. Close looking reveals not just art, but the story of a specific culture, time, and its complex socio-political landscape.