Sakai Hōitsu
Once I saw it for the first time, I fell in love with it. Have you heard of the Rinpa school?
Rinpa (or Rimpa) school is a vibrant, decorative style of Japanese painting and design that emerged in 17th-century Kyoto. It was known for bold, graphic depictions of nature, rich mineral colors, gold/silver leaf, and integration with calligraphy, drawing inspiration from classical court literature.
The painting we present today, while showcasing the Rinpa school’s characteristic tarashikomi (mottled-ink) technique, also reveals the artist’s interest in Western-style realism, seamlessly integrated with refined and elegant forms. The intricately curling leaves of the tree and grasses evoke the crisp chill of a clear autumn sky, echoed in the accompanying inscription, which dates the screen to late autumn 1816.
Sakai Hōitsu was born into a wealthy and influential samurai family and benefited from an exceptional education, including exposure to the wide range of painting styles practiced in Edo-period Japan. In 1797, he became a monk and adopted the priestly name Monsen Kishin, which appears in both the seal and signature on this screen.
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P.P.S. Japanese art is full of seemingly modest, yet spectacular artworks. Discover the surprising miniature world of netsuke!