Drie snarige veulen 1822

This woodblock print presents a shamisen, its case, and other musical accessories against patterned textiles. The shamisen itself is a potent symbol. In its contemporary Edo period, it represented urban culture and pleasure. Observe how similar lute-like instruments have appeared across cultures. From the Middle Eastern oud to the European lute, stringed instruments evoke harmony and emotional expression. These instruments evolve. The shamisen, derived from the Chinese sanxian, illustrates the cross-cultural exchange of ideas. Consider the psychological impact of music. Instruments like the shamisen aren’t merely objects but conduits of emotion. The arrangement of the shamisen and its case here invites reflection on absence and presence, silence and potential music. It’s a potent visual metaphor for memory and anticipation, resonating with the viewer on a deeper level.