Artwork
Chrysanthemums by the Water
Chrysanthemums by the Water is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Sakai Hōitsu. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1798 by the Japanese painter Sakai Hōitsu, this hand‑fan painting titled Chrysanthemums by the Water belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Executed on a fan surface, the work presents a cluster of vivid yellow chrysanthemums set against a muted, sandy‑toned background, framed by a dark blue border that outlines the fan’s shape.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on blooming chrysanthemums, a flower traditionally associated with autumn and the fleeting nature of life in East Asian symbolism. The arrangement of stems that curve and blossoms that appear to sway suggests a gentle breeze, evoking a moment of quiet contemplation beside water.
Technique & Style
Hōitsu employed delicate brushwork to render the petals and leaves, using contrasting pigments of bright yellow and deep green to achieve a luminous effect. The artist’s signature, rendered in red characters near the lower edge, follows customary practices in Japanese painting, while the fan’s dark blue rim provides a visual frame that enhances the central motif.
History & Provenance
The fan was produced during the late Edo period, a time when portable painted fans served both functional and decorative purposes. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, where it remains a representative example of Hōitsu’s work in the Rinpa tradition.
Context
Hand‑fans of this type were everyday objects in Japan, used for cooling and as status symbols. Artists like Hōitsu often painted them, merging utility with aesthetic expression, allowing the viewer to appreciate fine brushwork while engaging with a practical item.
Artist & collection
