Chrysanthemum and Hoe 1757 - 1820

Kubo Shunman's "Chrysanthemum and Hoe" presents us with more than just a still life painted on paper. The chrysanthemum is no mere flower; in East Asian art, it stands as a potent symbol of autumn, longevity, and even regal perfection. Here, the bloom is paired with a humble hoe, an instrument of the field. It's an unusual pairing. One recalls similar juxtapositions of the noble and the quotidian in Dutch vanitas paintings, where skulls rest beside blooming tulips. The intention is to remind the viewer of the transience of earthly life. The presence of the hoe suggests a life lived close to the earth, finding beauty in simple things, and a connection with the cyclical nature of existence. The scattered calligraphy above and around reinforces this feeling. Consider the psychological weight of these symbols. The yearning for immortality, the acceptance of mortality, and the quiet dignity of labor, echo across cultures and resonate with our deepest anxieties. They speak to a collective memory of humanity's relationship with nature and time.