Chrysanthemums at Court Possibly 1890

Curator: This colorful woodblock print, held here at the Harvard Art Museums, is entitled Chrysanthemums at Court, created by Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu. Editor: It's striking, a bold combination of patterns and colors that almost feels overwhelming at first glance. Curator: Note how the interior space is constructed through layered planes of ornamentation. The flowers, both real and patterned, seem to vie for attention. Editor: Yes, there's a flattening of space here, a distinct approach to depth. I'm curious about the labor involved in creating so many intricate details with woodblocks. Curator: Indeed, this aesthetic choice emphasizes surface and design over perspectival realism. Editor: It is certainly a statement about material culture and imperial taste! Curator: Absolutely. It blends traditional techniques with a modern, almost graphic sensibility. Editor: It is remarkable how the materials and the making influence the final reading of the artwork.