Peacocks and Peony c. 1683

Editor: This is "Peacocks and Peony" by Kano Yasunobu, created sometime between 1614 and 1685. It’s a lovely, small painting and the peacocks seem so gentle. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Considering Yasunobu's position within the Kano school, these peacocks might symbolize power and status, reflecting the social hierarchies of the Edo period. Peonies, in turn, can represent wealth and prosperity. How might this combination speak to the visual language of class? Editor: So it's not just a pretty picture, but a statement about social standing? I hadn’t considered that. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to think about art’s role in reinforcing, or perhaps even subtly critiquing, the established order. I think it's fascinating how art can embody both beauty and social commentary. Editor: That's something I'll definitely keep in mind moving forward.