Camellia Flower and Yokan (a sort of bean jelly) Wrapped in Bamboo Skin 1811

Ryūryūkyo Shinsai created this print of a camellia and Yokan, a traditional Japanese confection, using woodblock printing techniques around the early 19th century. During the Edo period, art and culture flourished amongst the merchant classes. Shinsai, who began his career as a samurai, shifted his focus to art, catering to the tastes of this emergent demographic. This piece, with its subtle elegance, moves away from the ostentatious displays of wealth often associated with the period. The choice of subject matter reflects a refined sensibility, elevating everyday objects to the level of art. The poem inscribed on the print adds another layer of meaning, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. We might also think about the print as participating in the visual culture of gift giving, an important element of social life. The wrapping of the sweet speaks to ritual. Here, Shinsai offers us not just an image, but an invitation to slow down and appreciate the delicate balance between the natural world and human craftsmanship, to consider how social rituals touch our lives.