Nihon hana zue 1897

Ogata Gekko made this woodblock print of the Japanese landscape, Nihon hana zue. This artist lived through a period of dramatic social and political change as Japan moved from feudalism to a modern nation-state. Here, the image captures the tranquility of a moment in nature, with a figure in traditional dress resting beneath a cherry tree. Blossoms are scattered around the figure. The motifs and style reference traditional Japanese art, a conscious choice that was typical of the Meiji period. It shows a connection to the past amid modernisation. The print reflects on Japanese identity and the cultural values. It is an image that also embodies a spirit of national pride. In interpreting this print, we could look to period literature, political writings, and the history of Japanese art institutions, which played a role in shaping artistic styles and national narratives. Art and its interpretation are always embedded in a specific time, place, and set of social conditions.