Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons 1834 - 1866

These two hanging scrolls, "Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons," were created by Ikeda Koson in 19th-century Japan. The images are painted on silk, a precious material at the time, and would likely have been commissioned by a wealthy patron. Koson lived and worked during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, a time of great social and political upheaval as Japan opened up to the West. The choice of flowers and birds as a subject matter reflects the values of the Japanese court and samurai classes. The composition emphasizes harmony and balance, reflecting an idealized version of the natural world that leaves out any signs of social unrest. These images use visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations to reflect a conservative attitude. In order to truly understand this work, we need to understand the economic structures of the time and how the emerging art market in Japan may have shaped its production and reception. Only then can we understand the true public role of this beautiful artwork.