Vase 19th century

Here we have a vase, made by Tsuruzawa Tanzan who lived from 1655 to 1729. This artwork provides a lens through which we can explore the socio-cultural dynamics of 17th and 18th century Japan. Tanzan, working during the Edo period, would have experienced a society marked by relative peace and economic prosperity, alongside strict social stratification under the Tokugawa shogunate. The vase, with its intricate designs, speaks to the era's emphasis on craftsmanship and artistic refinement. The motifs, while seemingly decorative, might hint at the complex interplay between different social classes and the negotiation of identities within a rigid societal structure. How might the act of creating such ornate objects reflect the artist's position within this hierarchy, and what role did these objects play in shaping cultural values and norms? Consider how the vase invites us to reflect on the emotional dimensions of cultural identity and artistic expression within a specific historical context.