Design of Flowers 1658 - 1716

Ogata Kōrin designed this print of flowers during the Edo period in Japan, where a rigid class system defined society. The stylized naturalism seen here, a hallmark of the Rinpa school, served a social function. It reflected the tastes of the merchant class, who, despite their economic power, were excluded from political life. By patronizing artists like Kōrin, merchants asserted their cultural influence. Moreover, the very act of creating and appreciating art became a form of social commentary, challenging the established order through the promotion of beauty and refinement outside the samurai aristocracy. To fully appreciate the art of this time we need to consider the social dynamics of Edo-period Japan, exploring historical documents and cultural studies, to reveal art as a mirror reflecting the aspirations and subtle rebellions of a changing society.