Artwork

Preface from Album of Paintings by Haizan

Preface from Album of Paintings by Haizan, by Yoshitsugu Haizan, unspecified, 1892
Preface from Album of Paintings by Haizan, by Yoshitsugu Haizan, unspecified, 1892

Preface from Album of Paintings by Haizan is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Yoshitsugu Haizan. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1892, the work titled *Preface from Album of Paintings* is a still‑life executed by Japanese artist Yoshitsugu Haizan. The painting is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of late‑nineteenth‑century Japanese genre painting.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a carefully arranged assortment of objects typical of a traditional album preface, inviting contemplation of the artist’s selection and the cultural conventions surrounding the presentation of visual collections in Meiji‑era Japan.

Technique & Style

Haizan employs delicate brushwork and a restrained palette, characteristic of his approach to still‑life subjects. The rendering emphasizes subtle tonal variations and precise delineation of form, reflecting the influence of both Japanese painting traditions and the emerging interest in Western realism during the period.

History & Provenance

After its creation, the painting entered the market for Japanese works collected by Western institutions. It was eventually acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains in the museum’s permanent holdings, contributing to the museum’s representation of Meiji‑period art.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.