Poppies and Butterfly

Maker(s)
Artist: Suzuki Kiitsu 鈴木其一 (1796-1858)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, early to mid 19th century
Medium
Ink and colors on silk
Dimensions
H x W (image): 102.3 × 35.9 cm (40 5/16 × 14 1/8 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1997.15
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll

Keywords
butterfly, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, kakemono, WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance information is currently unavailable
Label

Kiitsu was the successor to Sakai Hoitsu (1761-1828), who had single-handedly revived and expanded the Rimpa style in Edo (present-day Tokyo). In 1815, Hoitsu's research of the paintings of Ogata Korin (1658-1716) resulted in a printed catalogue of the earlier master's works. Under Hoitsu, Edo-style Rimpa acquired a feeling of polish and quasirealism that distinguished it from styles popular in Kyoto, such as Hochu's persimmons in this gallery.

Kiitsu's study of attenuated and gently curving poppies provides provocative compositional tension. The painter hints that the composition's light creature on an equally delicate blossom endangers the balance of the whole.

Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use