Black Pine and Maple Tree

This painting represents the well-known 17th century Japanese folding screen called Black Pines and Maple Trees. The painting belongs to the great master of Rinpa School Tawaraya Sōtatsu. The painting presents the complex interaction of different seasons in one piece of work. Strongly stylized black pines are dominating the central and right parts of the picture. Their dark green needles are painted with rich and detailed layers, showing the abundance of textures and eternity. Among those evergreen trees there is a maple branch coming from the upper left corner and having red and orange leaves, indicating the change of season. On the right side of the painting there is a big curving trunk of a tree. Small flowers and grasses appear from the ground. It is a combination of decorative details on the rich background of gold. This painting represents the decorative Rinpa style of painting. The style emphasizes stylized flattening rather than realism. The whole background consists of squares of gold leaf pressed on paper. This serves as the literal space of the landscape as well as a source of abstract radiance. The striking patches of brick red and burnt orange colors on the maple leaves indicate early fall.