Singing by the Plum Garden Possibly 1887

Curator: This is "Singing by the Plum Garden," a woodblock print attributed to Yoshu Chikanobu, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's... fascinating. There's a distinct clash between the figures and the traditional plum blossoms, creating a peculiar tension. Curator: Indeed, this piece speaks to the Meiji era's fascination with Western fashion and culture. Observe how the woman's attire contrasts with the surrounding Japanese aesthetic. Editor: And what could the child's military uniform signify, in relation to the woman's European dress? Is this about embracing the West while retaining tradition? Curator: Precisely. Chikanobu often depicted the transformations of Japanese society. Here, we see a deliberate staging of cultural identity. Editor: So this print captures Japan at a turning point, visually representing its complex negotiations with modernity and the West. I never expected this.