Peacock Feather and Plum Blossoms, with poem by Onoya Kuwayumi c. early 19th century

Editor: Here we have Kubo Shunman's "Peacock Feather and Plum Blossoms, with poem by Onoya Kuwayumi." The delicate lines and soft colors give it a dreamy quality. What stands out to you? Curator: Consider the materiality – paper, ink, brushstrokes. How does Shunman's choice of these readily available materials democratize the art form, moving away from precious, elite materials? It elevates everyday life to the level of art, blurring the lines between consumption and cultural value. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: It highlights labor and the social context of artistic creation. What do you think about how the poem interacts with the imagery?