Artwork
Roses and Field Sparrow (?)
Roses and Field Sparrow (?) is an unspecified painting by Hasegawa Gyokuho. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1850 by the Japanese painter Hasegawa Gyokuho, this diptych is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The work consists of two vertical panels that together present complementary natural scenes, each set against a muted beige field and framed with decorative borders.
Subject & Meaning
The left panel shows a leafy tree adorned with pink blossoms, from which a bird is captured in mid‑flight. The right panel focuses on a solitary branch laden with similar pink flowers, supporting a perched bird. The pairing of flying and resting avian figures suggests a contemplation of movement and stillness within a shared botanical environment.
Technique & Style
Gyokuho employs a restrained palette of greens, pinks, and neutrals, allowing the delicate coloration of the blossoms to stand out against the background. The composition balances the verticality of the tree and branch with the horizontal placement of the borders, creating a harmonious visual rhythm across the two panels.
History & Provenance
The diptych entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings in the early 20th century, though earlier ownership details remain undocumented. Its attribution to Gyokuho, a noted Edo‑period artist, is based on stylistic analysis and signature comparison.
Context
During the mid‑19th century, Japanese artists often produced paired screens or panels that explored seasonal motifs and bird‑and‑flower symbolism. This work reflects that tradition, aligning with contemporary aesthetic ideals that prized subtlety, balance, and the fleeting beauty of nature.
Artist & collection
