Flowers [right of a triptych of Kegon Falls and Flowers] 1902

Ishikawa Kosai made this hanging scroll painting, ‘Flowers’, using ink and color on silk. Look closely at the brushwork. It's delicate, intentional – each stroke carefully placed to capture the essence of the flowers. I imagine Kosai-san, brush in hand, totally absorbed in the act of painting. Perhaps they started with the bare branches at the top, letting the composition emerge organically from there. The colors, so muted and soft, create a serene atmosphere. See how the reds pop against the pale background? That contrast adds depth, dimension. It makes me think about the transience of beauty, how flowers bloom and fade. It’s all about capturing a moment in time. Kosai-san is in conversation with a whole history of flower painters! The act of painting flowers has always been a way for artists to understand and connect with the world around them.