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Persimmon Tree

Sakai Hōitsu Japanese
1816
Not on view
This painting, while exhibiting the trademark mottled-ink (tarashikomi) technique of the Rinpa school, reflects the artist’s interest in Western-style realism, which is combined with sophisticated, graceful forms. The intricately curling leaves of the tree and grass evoke the cold sky of the clear fall day alluded to in the inscription, which dates the screen to late autumn 1816.

Hōitsu was born into a wealthy, influential samurai family and had all the advantages of the finest education, including the opportunity to study many of the painting styles available to artists in Edo Japan. He became a monk in 1797 and adopted the priestly name Monsen Kishin, which appears in the seal and signature on this screen.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 酒井抱一筆　柿図屏風
  • Title: Persimmon Tree
  • Artist: Sakai Hōitsu (Japanese, 1761–1828)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: 1816
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Two-panel folding screen; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 56 9/16 × 56 5/8 in. (143.7 × 143.8 cm)
    Overall: 64 1/8 in. × 64 in. (162.9 × 162.6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1957
  • Object Number: 57.156.3
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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Cherry Blossoms, Sakai Hōitsu Japanese, Fan mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan
Cherry Blossoms
Sakai Hōitsu
18th century
Two Egrets and Lotus, Sakai Hōitsu Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan
Two Egrets and Lotus
Sakai Hōitsu
1761–1828
Flowering Plum, Sakai Hōitsu Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, Japan
Flowering Plum
Sakai Hōitsu
Bush Warbler (Uguisu) in a Plum Tree, Sakai Hōitsu Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink, color and gold on silk, Japan
Bush Warbler (Uguisu) in a Plum Tree
Sakai Hōitsu
early 19th century
Sparrow and Bamboo, Sakai Hōitsu Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
Sparrow and Bamboo
Sakai Hōitsu
Kameda Bōsai
ca. 1821

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