Who painted Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons?

Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons was painted by Yamaguchi Soken in 1798.

Where can I see Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons?

Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons is held by Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Artwork

Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons

Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons is an unspecified painting by Yamaguchi Soken. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Flowers and Plants of the Four Seasons is a painting by Yamaguchi Soken, a Japanese artist of the Shijō school, created circa 1798. It is now part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a botanical composition representing the four seasons, symbolized by a diverse arrangement of flora, including a tree with seasonal red leaves, various flowers, grasses, lily pads, a cactus, and a flowering bush.

Technique & Style

Executed in a delicate style, the work features soft color palette and gentle brushstrokes, conveying an overall atmosphere of serenity and tranquility.

History & Provenance

Created by Yamaguchi Soken (1759-?), a student of Maruyama Ōkyo and later esteemed as one of the 'Ten Great Ones' of his school, the painting’s provenance culminates in its current holding at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Context

As a product of the Shijō school, the painting reflects the tradition’s emphasis on natural themes and meticulous depiction of the natural world, characteristic of late 18th-century Japanese painting.

Legacy

While specific impact details are not provided, the work contributes to the broader legacy of the Shijō school and Japanese botanical art, with Yamaguchi Soken’s recognition among the 'Ten Great Ones' underscoring his contribution to the tradition.