The Overgrowth of Weeds, No. 15 from the series "Genji in Fifty-four Sheets (Genji gojuyonmai no uchi)" c. 1735

Nishimura Shigenaga created this print, “The Overgrowth of Weeds, No. 15,” sometime in the 18th century. The composition is immediately striking: a fan shape dominates the center, filled with figures and architectural details. The subdued palette of yellows, grays, and blacks creates a serene yet melancholic mood. Note how Shigenaga uses the fan's shape to frame the scene, creating a sense of intimacy and containment. The figures are meticulously rendered, yet they seem secondary to the overall design. This emphasis on form over narrative aligns with the broader artistic movements of the Edo period, which often prioritized aesthetic arrangement. The overgrowth of weeds, a literal element, can also be viewed structurally, symbolizing the transience of human endeavors. The fan itself, a symbol of social grace, is juxtaposed with the untamed weeds, creating a tension between artifice and nature. This tension is a key element in understanding how the artwork functions within the cultural discourse of its time, challenging fixed meanings of beauty and order.