Flower Arrangements c. 19th century

Curator: At first glance, this print evokes a sense of quiet contemplation. Editor: The work before us is Keisai Eisen's "Flower Arrangements," undated but created in the first half of the 19th century. It's a shikishiban woodblock print, a smaller format, now housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Curator: The arrangements themselves are so carefully posed. The bonsai, especially, feels very symbolic, a representation of longevity and refinement. Editor: The plants, juxtaposed with the calligraphy, reflect a cultivated sense of taste associated with privilege. They evoke questions of class, gender roles, and who has access to such refined pursuits. Curator: The text, integrated seamlessly into the composition, suggests the cultural importance of poetry and literacy alongside visual aesthetics. It speaks to a culture steeped in symbolism. Editor: Agreed. Eisen's floral arrangement points to the complex ways in which art and social hierarchy intersect and shape each other.