Autumn Flowers, 9th Month (Chrysanthemums and Sake Cup), with poems by Yomobito Shirazu (ōta Nampo?), Tōkaidō Hayabumi and Haginoya-ō c. early 19th century

Editor: This is "Autumn Flowers, 9th Month (Chrysanthemums and Sake Cup)" by Kubo Shunman, created sometime before 1820. It's a delicate woodblock print, and the faded colors give it a melancholic feel. What do you see in this piece, looking at it with your expert eyes? Curator: It's interesting, isn't it? For me, Shunman captures the fleeting beauty of autumn. The sake cup nestled amongst the chrysanthemums speaks to a celebration of the season, but also perhaps a quiet contemplation of time passing. Notice how the poems are integrated—it’s a feast for the senses. What do you think the artist is trying to say? Editor: I guess it's about appreciating the moment, before everything fades. The poems add another layer of meaning, I see. Curator: Precisely! It's a reminder that even in decay, there is beauty. Makes you want to write your own verse, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! Thanks, that's a great perspective.