Artwork
Puppies, Sparrows, and Chrysanthemums
Puppies, Sparrows, and Chrysanthemums is an unspecified painting by the Nihonga artist Nagasawa Rosetsu. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This painting shows puppies below, sparrows on a trellis, and bright chrysanthemums above.
This painting shows puppies below, sparrows on a trellis, and bright chrysanthemums above. The door pulls used to slide these panels are still visible as empty circles. Rosetsu painted these sliding doors for a home around 1793.
The little dog tilting his head looks like he’s listening to the sparrows chirp. The puppies play while the birds hop among the flowers. These bright, playful scenes were meant to decorate a room, not just hang on a wall.
You’ll find this at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Overview
Puppies, Sparrows, and Chrysanthemums is a painting on paper, originally used as sliding doors in a building. Created around 1793 by Nagasawa Rosetsu, it is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a lively scene of puppies at play and sparrows among chrysanthemum flowers on a trellis. A puppy looking up at the birds creates a narrative that illustrates the human condition through animal behavior, characteristic of Rosetsu's work.
Technique & Style
The artwork features circular marks where door pulls were once attached. Rosetsu's style is evident in the bright and playful depiction of the scene, using animals to convey a sense of interaction and curiosity.
History & Provenance
Originally mounted as fusuma, or sliding doors, the painting was created for a home. The empty circles on its surface are remnants of its functional past.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nagasawa Rosetsu (長沢芦雪; 1754–1799) was a Japanese painter during the Edo period. A disciple of the Maruyama School, he was known for his versatile artistic style. He was born to the family of a low-ranking samurai. He…
