Peonies 1929

Inuzuka Taisui made this print of peonies with what looks like woodblocks, sometime in the mid 20th century. It's the kind of image where the colours feel both delicate and grounded. The deep black background pushes the vase and flowers forward in a way that makes the image pop. The colour palette here is really something. The vibrant blues and reds of the vase contrast with the subtle pinks and whites of the flowers. This is a world made through colour. Notice the way the petals are rendered, with soft gradations of tone that make them feel almost translucent. See the way that the artist plays with texture, creating a visual feast that’s both calming and stimulating. The granular blackness of the background is so different to the smooth petals, and this tension creates an interesting energy in the piece. It’s hard not to think of Morandi when looking at Taisui's work. Both artists had an eye for quiet beauty, finding endless inspiration in simple subjects.