Irises c. 1930s

Editor: Here we have Hasui Kawase's woodblock print, "Irises," probably from the 1930s. It's incredibly vibrant – those greens and purples really pop. I'm immediately struck by the impressionistic feel. What captures your attention in this piece? Curator: You know, standing here, it's less a picture and more a memory. The colors, the bustling field...it hums with humid summer air and the buzzing of unseen bees. This work makes me think of Japanese *ukiyo-e*, with its celebration of fleeting beauty. Do you notice how Kawase plays with depth? Editor: Now that you mention it, there's a sense of flatness, almost like a textile design, yet the density of the irises suggests depth. It's a clever balance! Curator: Exactly! It’s a very intentional decision – flattening the picture plane is part of the *ukiyo-e* tradition. But what story might this snapshot in time be telling? What kind of narrative might we imagine as the viewer? Editor: That makes me consider my own personal story about visiting Japan! It suggests a sense of timeless beauty, beyond just one quick stop on the subway... Curator: And beyond those petals dancing in a summer breeze, perhaps it tells a broader tale about the human connection to nature across time. It certainly prompts us to reflect! Editor: Absolutely. I see the print with new eyes. What initially seemed like just a pretty picture of flowers holds layers of depth and artistic intention! Thanks!