Tiles with Waka (Court Poems) of the Four Seasons

Style of Ogata Kenzan Japanese

18th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Four tiles in the shape of poem cards feature abbreviated landscapes executed with soft, wash-like brushstrokes in underglaze enamel. Each bears a verse by one of the Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals, famous poets from past eras, first grouped together in the eleventh century. The softness of the painted motifs contrasts with Ogata Kenzan’s strong, idiosyncratic calligraphy. A master ceramic artist, Kenzan was the younger brother of the great Rinpa painter Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716).

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

References

乾山様式色絵三十六歌仙和歌色紙型陶盤
Title: Tiles with Waka (Court Poems) of the Four Seasons
Artist: Style of Ogata Kenzan (Japanese, 1663–1743)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Stoneware with polychrome underglaze enamels
Dimensions: Each: H. 7 5/8 in. (19.3 cm); W. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm); Th. 3/16 in. (.5 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Fishbein-Bender Collection, Promised Gift of T. Richard Fishbein and Estelle P. Bender
Curatorial Department: Asian Art