Wine-Set 19th century

This is Ryūryūkyo Shinsai’s “Wine-Set,” undated, a woodblock print now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Shinsai lived during the Edo period, a time of relative peace and flourishing arts in Japan. The print depicts a sake set with a teapot, brazier, cup, and other utensils rendered in soft colors. There's a sense of intimacy and domesticity, typical of still life, but made specifically Japanese by the inclusion of calligraphy. The characters themselves become part of the overall aesthetic experience. This was a time when the rising merchant class found ways of expressing their identity through art, literature, and fashion. The print feels both studied and casual, reflecting the cultural values of the time. It reminds us that art can transform the mundane into something beautiful, reflecting our lives and shared experiences.