(Prostitute and Her Guest in front of Chrysanthenum Screen) c. 1825

This Japanese woodblock print, attributed to Eisen, depicts a courtesan and her guest; notice the striking chrysanthemum screen behind them. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a potent symbol, deeply entwined with notions of longevity, rejuvenation, and even royalty. Interestingly, the flower appears in various guises across cultures. Think of the sunflower in Van Gogh's paintings. These flowers share an association with the sun, but also with cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The chrysanthemum, in particular, carries a dual message. It suggests a celebration of life, yet, it also hints at the transient nature of beauty and pleasure. In this print, the flower's symbolic weight is amplified. Its presence seems to reflect the fleeting nature of the encounter, the ephemeral beauty of the courtesan, and the continuous cycle of desire. It is a visual echo, an engagement of the viewer on a deep, subconscious level. The flower is a reminder that symbols never truly fade; they resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings.