Who painted Basket of Peonies?

Basket of Peonies was painted by Katsushika Hokusai in 1810.

Where can I see Basket of Peonies?

Basket of Peonies is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Basket of Peonies?

Basket of Peonies is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Basket of Peonies

Katsushika Hokusai , 1810

Basket of Peonies is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII loved peonies, and this print honored him.

This painting shows a lush bunch of peonies in a woven basket. The petals look thick and real. Pink and white blooms spill out toward us. The background is dark and plain.

It’s a surimono—a fancy print made for a special event. The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII loved peonies, and this print honored him. Peonies here mean summer in Japan.

Look up Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, 1760–1849) to see more of his work.

Overview

Basket of Peonies is a surimono, a privately commissioned Japanese print, created to mark a significant event in the life of renowned actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII.

Subject & Meaning

The print features a lush arrangement of peonies in a woven basket. As the flower of summer in Japanese tradition, peonies symbolize the season. The subject also holds personal significance, as the peony was the emblem of the honored actor, Ichikawa Danjuro VII.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style characteristic of its time, the print showcases thick, realistic petals in pink and white, set against a plain dark background, emphasizing the beauty of the blooms.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the prolific artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), this surimono was specifically designed to commemorate an event in the life of Ichikawa Danjuro VII, reflecting the print's customary use for celebratory or commemorative purposes.

Context

As a surimono, this print was part of a tradition of exclusive, privately commissioned works, differing from more widely circulated ukiyo-e prints, and highlighting the special nature of the event it commemorates.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader artistic heritage of Katsushika Hokusai and the cultural significance of surimono in Japanese art history.