Begonia in Bloom by a Garden Stream c. 1683

Editor: Kano Tsunenobu’s *Begonia in Bloom by a Garden Stream*, currently housed here, is quite charming. The muted colors create such a peaceful mood, don't you think? What do you see in this piece beyond just a simple landscape? Curator: I see a reflection of the Kano school’s role within the Tokugawa shogunate. These serene landscapes were often commissioned to reinforce social hierarchies and project an image of cultivated power. The begonia itself, while beautiful, becomes a symbol within a highly structured political landscape. How does that shift your perception of its peacefulness? Editor: That’s a fascinating point! It makes me consider the artist's intention and the audience's reception differently. I hadn't considered the political implications. Curator: Exactly! It's about understanding how art serves power, and how even the most delicate imagery can be loaded with meaning. Editor: I’ll never look at a begonia the same way again.