Flower of Akashi (Akashi no hana) 1853

This woodblock print, Flower of Akashi, was made by Utagawa Kuniteru, sometime between 1830 and 1874. The artwork is a fascinating interplay of the interior and exterior, creating a dynamic tension through its composition. On the right, the vertical lines of the interior architecture contrast with the organic, almost chaotic, landscape on the left. The women are framed by both, highlighting a contrast between nature and culture, chaos and order. The figures themselves are draped in elaborate, patterned kimonos which act as semiotic systems encoding social status and aesthetic preferences. The vibrant red of the lower figure's garment, adorned with maple leaves, draws the eye and creates a focal point. The telescope, aimed towards the lively scene by the shore, suggests a critical observation of society. It raises questions about perspective and the act of viewing itself. Are we, as viewers of the print, also engaged in a form of telescopic observation, mediated by the artist's vision? This work uses formal elements to invite considerations on how we perceive and interpret the world around us.