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Quail and Autumn Flowers

Tosa Mitsuoki Japanese
late 17th century
Not on view
Elegant in their own right, chrysanthemums often appear together with quails in paintings. The combination was especially favored by Southern Song Chinese artists, as it signified peace and longevity. Along with chysanthemums, the depiction of other autumn flowers, such as bush clover (hagi) and Chinese bellflowers (kikyō), creates a seasonal setting for the pair of birds.

The painting is signed by Tosa Mitsuoki, a master of jewel-like painting in finely executed line and brilliant color. He became an official court artist in 1654 and made concerted efforts to revive the dwindling fortunes of the Tosa school, which had been all but overshadowed by the Kano school since the Muromachi period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 秋の花に鶉図
  • Title: Quail and Autumn Flowers
  • Artist: Tosa Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1617–1691)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: late 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
  • Dimensions: 38 1/2 x 16 3/8 in. (97.8 x 41.6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
  • Object Number: 36.100.52
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Egrets and Cotton Roses, Tosa Mitsuoki Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, Japan
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Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara, Unidentified artist, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Korea
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Heron, Tosa Mitsuoki Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, Japan
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Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese
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Armorer Helmet bowl signed Saotome Ietada
Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
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