Paulownians and Chrysanthemum

Sakai Hoitsu was born into a rich and powerful samurai family during the period of Edo Japan, in 1761. He didn't become a samurai, instead he led the life of an artist after becoming a Buddhist monk. His paintings are heavily influenced by Ogata Korin, whose works were patronized by his family and, hence, gave an opportunity to Hoitsu to study Korin's works closely. Hoitsu's interest delves into themes of nature, trees, birds, waves, flowers, and other natural elements which can be clearly visible in this piece of work. Hoitsu later shifted his themes to showcasing the four seasons of a year which was different from his previous works on the scenes from classical Chinese and Japanese literature. Although the techniques he borrowed from Korin's works, such as use of vivid colors, and a bold design on an empty space, perpetuated. Paulownians and Chrysanthemum (1810) by Hoitsu is a two-sectioned screen work where the twisted old tree can been seen boring some whitish green moss. It is accompanied by ivy leaves colored in various shades of green. This adds a visual depth and texture to the overall painting. The white-colored chrysanthemums are placed on the ground, near the tree and the surrounding river. In contrast to the simple and plain background, the leaves, flowers, tree, and the river is painted with bright vivid colors. This shows the natural elements in an ornamental, almost decorative way. the tree trunk is painted using a thin wash technique, while the flowers are painted with repetitive brush strokes. This painting is the epitome of a breath of freshness and liveliness which represents summer and early autumn in Japan.