Winter [left from the set Rice Farming in the Four Seasons] c. 1620s

Kano Sanraku painted this section of Rice Farming in the Four Seasons on gold-covered paper during the Edo period in Japan. It’s a serene and picturesque depiction of rural life, but don’t be fooled by the humble subject matter, its artist was affiliated with the Kano school, who were the pre-eminent painters to the Shogunate, and therefore the establishment, for hundreds of years. Sanraku’s screen is more than just a representation of winter. It's a window into the socio-political landscape of the time, and also a highly stylized and idealized representation of the common people. Look at the way the artist uses perspective and composition to create a sense of depth, while imbuing it with the cultural values of harmony and balance associated with Zen Buddhism, an important and influential institution at that time. Art historians consult a variety of sources to understand the artwork, including historical documents, literary works, and other visual materials. In the end, the meaning of art is always contingent on the social and institutional context in which it’s made and received.