Writing Implements and Seals c. 1799 - 1811

Kubo Shunman created this woodblock print, "Writing Implements and Seals," sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The composition presents a carefully arranged still life, drawing our attention to the materiality and textures of each object, which may evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. The arrangement of objects such as the inkstone, seals, and writing brush on the left and the flower vase and seal box on the right creates a balanced structure that invites semiotic interpretation. The implements of writing suggest the act of inscription and the creation of meaning, while the presence of the flower vase and box adds elements of beauty and containment. The surface on which these objects are placed and the calligraphy above contributes to an understanding of Japanese aesthetics. The work offers a layered exploration of form and function in Japanese art, where objects serve both practical and symbolic purposes. It is a space where viewers engage with the enduring human desire to create and communicate through art.