Artwork
尾形光琳筆 梅花・秋草図|Flowers of Spring and Autumn
尾形光琳筆 梅花・秋草図|Flowers of Spring and Autumn is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Ogata Kōrin. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Created in 1701, *Flowers of Spring and Autumn* consists of two vertically oriented panels painted with ink and color on cryptomeria wood.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1701, *Flowers of Spring and Autumn* consists of two vertically oriented panels painted with ink and color on cryptomeria wood. The work is attributed to Ogata Kōrin, a central figure of the Rinpa school, and exemplifies the school’s emphasis on decorative yet restrained compositions.
Subject & Meaning
Each panel presents a distinct seasonal bouquet: the left panel displays vivid red plum blossoms, while the right panel features white chrysanthemums accompanied by golden grasses. The juxtaposition of spring and autumn flora reflects a traditional Japanese appreciation of the cyclical nature of the seasons.
Technique & Style
Kōrin employs a flat, background‑less surface, allowing the flowers to appear as if they float on the pale wood. The forms are rendered with a series of delicate, non‑overlapping brushstrokes that leave intentional gaps, producing a sense of airy space and a surprisingly minimalist aesthetic for an early 18th‑century work.
History & Provenance
The panels were produced during the height of Kōrin’s career, a period when he was also known for large decorative screens and collaborations with his brother, the lacquer artist Ogata Kenzan. The work has remained in Japanese collections, preserving its original format as a pair of separate panels.
Context
Within the Rinpa tradition, the paintings illustrate the school’s characteristic balance of bold design and refined natural motifs. Their simplified forms and emphasis on pattern anticipate later modernist approaches, underscoring Kōrin’s lasting influence on both Japanese and broader art histories.
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.
