蟹図［表］ 牡丹図［裏］大衝立|Crabs and Peonies

Art Historical Context

Behold the mesmerizing *Crabs and Peonies (蟹図［表牡丹図［裏］大衝), a double-sided freestanding screen (tsuit) by the visionary Japanese artist Itō Jakuchū, created in the mid-18th century before 1766 during the Edo period (161–1868). Jakuchū, a Kyoto-based painter known for his bold, imaginative portrayals of nature, crafted this masterpiece in ink and gold on paper, showcasing his mastery of dynamic composition and lifelike detail. Measuring an impressive 51 3/4 × 55 1/8 inches per side, the screen's grandeur made it a coveted room divider for elite homes, blending artistry with functionality. One side bursts with crabs scuttling across a shimmering gold ground, their segmented bodies rendered with exquisite precision and subtle ink washes that capture movement and texture. The reverse blooms with peonies, symbols of prosperity and beauty in Japanese culture, their lush petals unfurling in harmonious abundance. This innovative double-sided format highlights Jakuchū's technical prowess, using gold leaf to evoke opulence and depth, a hallmark of Edo-era luxury screens influenced by Rinpa traditions. Acquired in 2022 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, this rare work exemplifies the period's fascination with nature's vitality, inviting viewers to ponder life's fleeting energy—from the crabs' tenacity to the peonies' splendor. A true gem of Asian Art, it transports us to 18th-century Japan.

About the Artist

Itō Jakuchū 伊藤若冲 (Japanese) · 1716 –1800

Japanese, 1716–1800