This piece is the crowning masterpiece from the later years of Ogata Kōrin, a renowned painter who flourished in Kyoto from the 17th to 18th centuries during the Edo period. The original artwork, a folding screen painting, is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and is considered one of the most iconic masterpieces in Japanese art.
Ogata Kōrin is said to have secretly studied and emulated Tawaraya Sōtatsu, the artist behind Fujin and Raijin (Gods of Wind and Thunder), and while drawing inspiration from Sōtatsu, Kōrin developed his own distinctive style. Don’t you sense a subtle resemblance to the composition of Fujin and Raijin?
The painting features a bold stream of water flowing through the center, with stylized ripples that create a striking impression. On the right side, vivid red plum blossoms bloom, while white plum blossoms grace the left. Kōrin's keen sense of composition and color, coupled with his remarkable creativity and talent for form, make this work stand out as an avant-garde and innovative creation for its time. Interestingly, many of Kōrin's works, including this one, remain undated, adding to their enigmatic allure.
I use 999.9 pure gold leaf thread.
Adorn your room, study, living room, office, or shop with these Kyoto Nishijin textiles and appreciate the beauty of a 1,500-year-old tradition.
