Pipe and Tobacco Pouch From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1 1810s

Kubo Shunman created this woodblock print, *Pipe and Tobacco Pouch*, as part of a collection titled *Spring Rain*. The print offers a glimpse into the leisure and aesthetic values of the Edo period. During this time, smoking tobacco became fashionable across various social classes in Japan. Shunman elevates everyday objects to a form of art. The composition emphasizes an arrangement of a pipe, tobacco pouch, and other accessories, displayed on what appears to be a patterned mat. The attention to detail and the delicate colors reflect the cultural importance of presentation and refinement. We can observe the cultural ritual around tobacco use as a social activity, and how the accouterments of smoking became signifiers of status and taste. The inscription of poetry adds another layer, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of life. This artwork prompts us to consider the intersections of art, culture, and personal expression.