One Hundred Designs by Ogata Kōrin - Sakai Hōitsu

A reproduction of the covers from Sakai Hōitsu's 1815 publication, 'One Hundred Designs by Ogata Kōrin', showcasing the refined aesthetic of the Edo-period Rinpa school.

This print features the covers of the two-volume publication 'Kōrin hyakuzu', or 'One Hundred Designs by Ogata Kōrin', compiled by the artist Sakai Hōitsu. Hōitsu was a central figure in the Edo-period Rinpa school, and he dedicated much of his career to documenting and reviving the aesthetic principles established by his predecessor, Ogata Kōrin. Published in 1815, this work serves as a catalogue of Kōrin's designs, intended to preserve the visual language of the Rinpa tradition for future generations of artisans and painters.

The covers themselves display a subtle, embossed pattern of waves and mountains, reflecting the refined sensibility characteristic of the Rinpa style. The title slips, written in elegant calligraphy, identify the volumes as the upper and lower parts of the set. The muted, pale blue-grey tone of the paper provides a neutral backdrop for the calligraphic text, which is framed by simple, clean borders. This publication was not merely a collection of images, but a deliberate effort to codify the decorative motifs and compositional strategies that defined the school's output.

Sakai Hōitsu's work in compiling these volumes demonstrates his deep engagement with the history of Japanese art. By selecting and reproducing these designs, he ensured that the stylistic innovations of the seventeenth century remained accessible to the artists of his own time. The minimalist presentation of the covers, with their focus on texture and typography, contrasts with the elaborate illustrations contained within the books. This print captures the essence of a historical document that bridged the gap between the golden age of Rinpa and the nineteenth century, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process of artistic transmission in Edo Japan.