Skylarks and Primroses,” from the Series An Array of Birds (Tori awase), from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 3) 1800 - 1820

Curator: Right now, we are looking at a beautiful example of ukiyo-e art, specifically a woodblock print titled "Skylarks and Primroses," created between 1800 and 1820 by Kubo Shunman. It's part of a series called "An Array of Birds" from a Spring Rain Surimono Album. Editor: Wow, that title alone—"Spring Rain Surimono Album"—conjures such a lovely image! I am getting such a delicate, whimsical vibe from this. The colors are muted but they carry so much joy! Like catching a sunbeam on a cloudy day, you know? Curator: Yes! Ukiyo-e prints were a major part of Edo-period culture, enjoyed by a wide range of people, unlike more elite forms of art. Shunman was interesting in that he originally trained as a samurai but left the profession to pursue art! These “surimono,” privately commissioned prints, were often created to celebrate special occasions or announcements within literary societies. Editor: Oh, the artistic rebel, I love it. I feel this freedom! The birds feel so alive, like you’re right there in the garden with them. The little details of their feathers. It makes me wonder about his connection with nature! And even though it is "flat", its somehow still so tactile and almost sculpted because of the layering effect. Curator: Absolutely. Prints like this served important social functions; the inscriptions contain poetry relating to the image which were relevant for poetry societies that were integral to Japanese artistic culture during the period. Editor: Thinking about it as part of social practice completely changes the experience! Suddenly its alive with the shared moments around it and reminds me that art has its fingers everywhere at all times. Curator: Exactly. Considering its socio-political function opens us to deeper levels of understanding. Editor: Well, next time I’m celebrating something, I think I will ditch the generic Hallmark card and create a little woodblock print, maybe a silly doodle for a poetry slam invitation! Curator: Perhaps. Although this image may initially seem straightforward, understanding the print in relation to ukiyo-e culture helps it yield more complex meanings and resonances.