(Ox and flower petals) Possibly 1853

Kō Sūkoku II made this woodblock print titled "(Ox and flower petals)" sometime in the mid-19th century. During this time, the Tokugawa shogunate enforced a rigid social hierarchy in Japan. Art production was closely tied to patronage and often served to reinforce established power structures. Here, the ox, a symbol of diligence and agriculture, is juxtaposed with delicate flower petals. Woodblock prints became popular among the merchant class, who were growing in economic power but had limited social status. Artists like Sūkoku sometimes used their art to explore themes of social mobility and cultural identity. The inscription on the print also offers an important clue. To fully understand this work, one might consult historical records of art patronage, social commentaries from the period, and collections of poetry and literature that reflect the cultural values of the time. Art history reminds us that meaning is not fixed but is instead shaped by the ever-evolving relationship between art, artist, and society.