Yellow Celebrated Gold Brocade Fabric (Ko kinran meibutsugire), from the series Five Colors of Tea Utensils (Chaki goshiki shose), with poems by Shinryuen and associates c. 1817 - 1819

Curator: This is Kubo Shunman's "Yellow Celebrated Gold Brocade Fabric," part of the "Five Colors of Tea Utensils" series. Editor: My first impression is one of quiet elegance, the muted colors and delicate lines create such a serene feeling. Curator: Absolutely, the fabric itself, represented in the print, speaks volumes about status and trade. Notice the implied texture and labor involved in its creation. Editor: I'm drawn to the layering of patterns and the glimpses of gold. It evokes a sense of ritual, almost a reverence for these everyday objects elevated by art. Curator: The poems, penned by Shinryuen and others, further contextualize the piece. Each color within the series connects to elements of society and the tea ceremony. Editor: It's amazing how Shunman imbues such common objects with deep symbolism and cultural significance. Curator: Indeed, seeing the tea utensil as a convergence point for craft, poetry, and social life is key. Editor: It makes you appreciate the simple moments and rituals within our daily lives.