Wisteria
17th–18th century
Medium
Folding fan mounting as a hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on paper
Dimensions
6 3/4 x 20 3/4 in. (17.2 x 52.7 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
Accession Number
29.100.526
Tags
Art Historical Context
Ogata Kōrin's *Wisteria*, created during Japan's Edo period (16151868), captures the era's fascination with nature's fleeting beauty amid a time of peace and cultural flourishing. A master of the Rinpa, Kōrin (1658–1716) drew inspiration from classical Japanese painting traditions while innovating with bold, decorative flair. This work, likely depicting cascading wisteria blooms—a symbol of elegance and endurance—exemplifies his ability to transform everyday motifs into poetic spectacles. Originally painted on a folding fan and later remounted as a hanging scroll, the artwork measures a compa...
About the Artist
Ogata Kōrin · 1658–1716
Noted as one of the most important Japanese artists of the 17th century; known for paintings of irises and other subjects. He was regarded, along with Sotatsu, as one of the masters of the Sotatsu-Koetsu school of decorative painting, including painted screens and textile designs. He was descended from a samurai who had served under the Ashikaga rulers.