Falling Flowers (Hanachirusato), from the series Fashionable Comparisons of Genji Fans (FÅ«ryÅ« Genji ogi awase) c. early to mid 19th century

Curator: Here we have Kikugawa Eizan's "Falling Flowers" from his "Fashionable Comparisons of Genji Fans" series, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about this vertical print? Editor: It's so delicate, almost melancholic. The downward gaze of the figure, the subtle greens and pinks—it evokes a sense of gentle sadness. Curator: Indeed. Eizan masterfully uses the lines of her kimono to guide our eyes, creating a fluid, almost musical composition. Notice how the fan in her hand echoes the larger theme. Editor: The fan itself is intriguing. Are those smaller fans depicted upon it? It's fans within fans, a symbol of layers, of hidden meanings, perhaps? Curator: Precisely! It's a clever visual metaphor, adding depth to the overall narrative. I think Eizan manages to convey a story with such grace, don’t you think? Editor: Absolutely. It makes you wonder what she's contemplating, what stories those falling flowers could tell. And that quiet contemplation is truly beautiful.