Who painted Puppy with Dandelions?

Puppy with Dandelions was painted by Tawaraya Sōtatsu in 1620.

Where can I see Puppy with Dandelions?

Puppy with Dandelions is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Puppy with Dandelions?

Puppy with Dandelions is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Puppy with Dandelions

Tawaraya Sōtatsu , 1620

Puppy with Dandelions is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Tawaraya Sōtatsu. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Sōtatsu often painted nature scenes with strong shapes and bright colors.

This painting shows a small dog sitting among bright yellow dandelions. The colors are bold and simple, with no fancy details. The dog looks calm but alert, like it’s watching something nearby.

Sōtatsu often painted nature scenes with strong shapes and bright colors. This work shows how he mixed everyday life with bold art styles. The dandelions stand out against the plain background.

If you like this, check out Tawaraya Sōtatsu (Japanese, c. 1570–c. 1640).

Overview

Puppy with Dandelions, created in 1620 by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, is a still life painting that combines everyday subject matter with the bold, simple aesthetic characteristic of the Rinpa school.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a calm yet alert puppy surrounded by vibrant yellow dandelions against a plain background, exemplifying Sōtatsu's integration of mundane life into bold, stylized natural scenes.

Technique & Style

Employing bold, simple colors and strong shapes, the work reflects Sōtatsu's development of the tarashikomi technique, though its application here emphasizes clarity over intricate layering.

History & Provenance

Originally part of the broader ukiyo-e movement, Puppy with Dandelions is now held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, a testament to Sōtatsu's enduring influence beyond Japan.

Context

While Sōtatsu is also noted for collaborations with Hon'ami Kōetsu and large-scale folding screens, this piece highlights his ability to convey depth and engagement in smaller, more intimate compositions.

Legacy

Puppy with Dandelions illustrates Sōtatsu's contribution to the Rinpa school's blend of natural imagery with bold artistic expression, influencing subsequent generations of Japanese painters.

Artist & collection

Artist

Tawaraya Sōtatsu

Tawaraya Sōtatsu (俵屋宗達; c. 1570 – c. 1640) was a Japanese furniture designer and painter of the Rinpa school. Sōtatsu is best known for his decorations of calligraphic works by his partner Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558–1637),…