Autumn Flowers [left of a pair] c. mid 19th century

Editor: Here we have “Autumn Flowers,” one half of a diptych, created around the mid-19th century by Oki Ichiga. It’s a watercolor painting, mounted as a hanging scroll. The muted palette feels so peaceful. What catches your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: Peaceful is a wonderful word for it. For me, the composition speaks volumes. Notice how Ichiga uses empty space? It’s not just background; it's almost a character itself, allowing those vibrant morning glories and feathery grasses to breathe. You almost feel a gentle breeze. Ever think about how silence can amplify a conversation? It’s the same principle. What do you think that negative space achieves here? Editor: I guess it spotlights the flowers more? Otherwise it might feel a little crowded. The blue really pops against that pale background. Curator: Exactly. It emphasizes the delicate balance, the ephemerality of the scene. These works often evoke a sense of longing, a connection to the transient nature of beauty. Do you get any hint of the Japanese aesthetic of *wabi-sabi* here, maybe in the slightly faded tones, the natural imperfections? Editor: Now that you mention it, I can definitely see that in the somewhat subdued colors and how the stems are bending every which way. Curator: It’s about finding beauty in imperfection, isn’t it? Which, let's face it, is far more interesting than striving for flawless symmetry! Editor: I’m definitely seeing this painting in a whole new light. It’s like the artist is inviting us to slow down and notice the subtle moments in nature. Curator: Precisely! And isn't that what art should do? Open our eyes, our hearts, to the beauty that surrounds us, in all its imperfect glory.