An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Paulownias and Chrysanthemumsearly 1800s
Sakai Hōitsu
In this screen, Sakai Hōitsu expertly deployed a painting technique called “dripping-in” (<em>tarashikomi</em>). Ink and color dripped on the surface, and allowed to pool there, created the illusionistic effect of lichen-dotted tree bark and twisted chrysanthemum leaves. Paulownia and chrysanthemum are signifiers of late spring and early autumn as well as emblems of the Japanese imperial house. Paulownia also has medicinal properties and associations with fortitude, while chrysanthemum symbolizes good government.
Hōitsu often painted two-panel folding screens for urban clients residing in smaller spaces. A painting after this one in the Itabashi Museum in Tokyo shows an extended composition across a pair of two-panel screens.
Two-panel folding screen; ink and color on gilded paper
Image: 152.7 x 154.9 cm (60 1/8 x 61 in.); Overall: 157.5 x 158.5 cm (62 x 62 3/8 in.)
Gift of the American Foundation for the Maud E. and Warren H. Corning Botanical Collection
In the gentle embrace of a serene spring afternoon, a master artist named Sakai Hōitsu found inspiration nestled within the whispers of nature. His hand, steady and knowing, moved gracefully across his canvas, using a technique called “dripping-in” or tarashikomi. Each drop of ink, intentionally poised, fell like a quiet raindrop, pooling and blending, transforming the surface into a canvas of wonder.
As the colors mingled, they summoned forth the images of life that we often overlook—the textured bark of ancient trees laced with soft patches of lichen, and the ever-familiar twist of chrysanthemum leaves that danced in the breeze. One could almost hear the rustling of foliage, the subtle sigh of earth awakening in late spring and the crisp breaths of early autumn.
In this harmonious symphony of nature, Paulownia and chrysanthemum emerged not just as ordinary plants, but as symbols bearing the weight of history. The Paulownia tree, sturdy and resilient, whispered tales of medicinal properties and fortitude—the will to endure, to thrive amidst the changing seasons. And there, side by side with it, the chrysanthemum, vibrant and regal, stood proud as an emblem of good governance.
Sakai Hōitsu, with each drip of ink, intertwined these symbols into a tapestry of meaning—inviting viewers not just to behold his art, but to step into the story, to feel the pulse of late spring’s promise and the quiet dignity of autumn’s approach. Such was the crafting of his art: a gateway to reflection, a moment of peace, and an invitation to resonate with the deeper narratives of life.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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