Artwork
Flowers
Flowers is an unspecified painting by Ogata Kōrin. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ogata Kōrin’s *Flowers* (1849) is a modestly sized painting in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Executed in the Rinpa tradition, the work presents a single branch bearing three pale blossoms, accompanied by small green leaves and a few fallen buds. The composition rests against an unadorned light‑brown field, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the botanical subject.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a solitary branch, its three delicate flowers rendered with soft, translucent petals. The inclusion of wilted buds suggests a fleeting moment in the plant’s life cycle, a common motif in Japanese art that evokes the transience of nature. The restrained subject matter aligns with Rinpa’s interest in stylized natural forms rather than narrative scenes.
Technique & Style
Kōrin employs simplified geometric shapes and a muted palette of pale pinks, greens, and earth tones. The brushwork is smooth, emphasizing the gentle curvature of the petals and leaves. A small red seal with barely legible characters appears in the corner, a customary artist’s mark that adds a subtle contrast without detracting from the overall serenity of the piece.
History & Provenance
Created in 1849, *Flowers* reflects the later phase of Kōrin’s career, when he was already celebrated for his contributions to painting, lacquerware, and textile design. The work entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the 20th century, where it remains on display as an example of Rinpa’s refined aesthetic.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ogata Kōrin (Japanese: 尾形光琳; 1658 – June 2, 1716) was a Japanese landscape illustrator, lacquerer, painter, and textile designer of the Rinpa School.
