Flowers of Spring and Autumn 1650 - 1850

Ogata Kōrin created these two hanging scrolls, Flowers of Spring and Autumn, using ink and color on paper. They present a compelling example of Japanese Rinpa-school painting. Consider the materiality: paper, ink, color. These aren't just neutral grounds for expression. The absorbent nature of the paper dictates the flow of the ink, demanding a high degree of control. Kōrin's brushwork, evident in the delicate rendering of petals and leaves, speaks to years of disciplined training. The colors, likely derived from mineral pigments, are applied in thin washes, building up depth and luminosity. Mounting these paintings onto scrolls isn't merely a practical choice; it's a cultural one. The scroll format dictates how the work is viewed, unrolled and appreciated in sections, inviting a slower, more contemplative experience. In doing so, we should appreciate the extraordinary skill involved, and resist the temptation to draw a sharp line between ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’.