Ogata Korin was a celebrated Japanese painter and designer during the Edo period. He was the founder of the Rinpa school, which was known for its bold designs and use of vibrant colors. One of his most famous works is "Irises," a stunning pair of six-panel folding screens that depict a serene and dazzling scene of irises in full bloom.
Korin's design for "Irises" is striking and innovative. The screens feature an asymmetrical composition, with the irises arranged in a free-flowing and irregular pattern that creates a sense of illusionary movement and depth. Basically he only used three colors in this work. The irises are painted in shades of dark blue, with fresh green of its leaves on background of gold leaves. This minimalistic color choice also makes this piece stand out and special.
"Irises" is an important work in the history of Japanese art. It was created in the early 18th century, during a time of great artistic and cultural flourishing in Japan. Korin's work was seen as a departure from the more traditional styles of painting that were popular at the time. Instead, he embraced bold designs and vibrant colors, creating a new style of painting that was both innovative and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. The screens are a testament to the beauty and power of Japanese art, and continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world today.
"Irises" is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Rinpa art. It has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan and is held in the Nezu Museum, where the Irises are exhibited from April to May every year. I go and see it almost every year and it will be open to the public from April 15th this year. Don’t miss it if you are in Tokyo!
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