Birds, Animals, and Flowering Plants in Imaginary Scene 

Ito Jakuchu painted this vibrant six-panel screen sometime in the mid-Edo period of Japan. It's an exuberant display of diverse birds, animals, and flowering plants set in an imagined landscape. Jakuchu lived during a time of relative peace and economic growth in Japan, which allowed for the flourishing of arts and culture. He came from a wealthy merchant family, which gave him the means to pursue his artistic interests. He studied various painting styles, including traditional Japanese and Chinese techniques, as well as Western art, which was beginning to influence Japanese artists. This screen reflects the increasing interest in naturalism and realism during this period, as well as the continued importance of decorative arts. The image is rich with symbolic meaning, with different birds and plants representing different virtues and values. As historians, we can consult period literature, religious texts, and social histories to better understand these cultural references and the role of art as a form of social commentary and expression.