Paulownias and Chrysanthemums
early 1800s
Medium
Two-panel folding screen; ink and color on gilded paper
Dimensions
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Classification
Painting
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of the American Foundation for the Maud E. and Warren H. Corning Botanical Collection
Accession Number
1964.386
Tags
About this artwork
In this screen, Sakai Hōitsu expertly deployed a painting technique called “dripping-in” (tarashikomi). 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 go...