Goederen uit Arima 1822

Katsushika Hokusai created this woodblock print titled “Goods from Arima”. Dominating the composition is the chrysanthemum crest, a venerable symbol of the Japanese Imperial family and of the sun, radiating power and authority. It is not merely a botanical depiction, but a potent emblem deeply embedded in the nation’s psyche, connoting longevity and rejuvenation. The chrysanthemum motif surfaces repeatedly throughout Japanese art history, from adorning the swords of samurai to embellishing the robes of emperors. Its resonance is primal. Like the ever-returning sun, it touches upon humanity's eternal hope for renewal, echoing the cyclical nature of life. The arrangement of the items – the brushes, papers, and various tools – speaks to a life dedicated to refinement and aesthetic pursuits. One might sense a touch of melancholia, knowing that these still objects represent fleeting moments, forever captured yet forever gone. The psychological weight of impermanence, the awareness of the ephemeral, engages us on a deeply subconscious level. It evokes the bittersweet essence of 'mono no aware', the pathos of things.