Okame Viewing Plum Blossoms, with poem by Katsurarō Edo period,

Curator: Here we have Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock print, "Okame Viewing Plum Blossoms, with poem by Katsurarō." Editor: What a peculiar character! The three eyes certainly set a tone of otherworldly amusement. Curator: Yes, Okame is a figure from Japanese folklore, often associated with mirth and good fortune. The print itself is small, only about 5 1/2 by 7 5/16 inches, printed on paper. The plum blossoms are so delicate, and the textile looks to be rendered with great care. Editor: The plum blossom is an important symbol, representing resilience, renewal, and the coming of spring in East Asian cultures. Placing Okame in this setting links her to these positive attributes. Curator: I'm struck by the poem inscribed. This would have been a collaborative piece, where poetry, design, and the woodblock process all come together. Editor: Indeed! It certainly gives us a layered perspective on the imagery at hand. Curator: It shows how artistic practices intertwine with cultural beliefs and material processes. Editor: Exactly, giving the viewer a glimpse into the symbolic richness of Japanese art.