Rooster and Nandina - Itō Jakuchū

A detailed study of a rooster among nandina berries and chrysanthemums, rendered with the precision and naturalistic observation characteristic of Itō Jakuchū.

This work is part of the celebrated series 'Dōshoku Sai-e' (Colourful Realm of Living Beings), a collection of thirty scrolls commissioned by the artist for the Shōkoku-ji temple in Kyoto. Itō Jakuchū, a merchant-turned-painter, developed a distinct approach to the traditional bird-and-flower genre. His technique involves the meticulous application of multiple layers of pigment on the reverse side of the silk, a method known as 'urazaishiki', which creates a soft, luminous quality in the finished image.

The composition features a large, dark-feathered rooster standing amidst a cluster of white chrysanthemums and a tall nandina plant laden with bright red berries. A small bird perches on a branch above, providing a sense of scale and movement. The rooster is rendered with exceptional attention to the texture of its plumage, using individual brushstrokes to define the overlapping feathers. The contrast between the deep, ink-toned body of the bird and the brilliant red of the nandina berries demonstrates the artist's mastery of colour balance.

Jakuchū was known for his direct observation of nature, often keeping chickens in his garden to study their anatomy and behaviour. This empirical approach informs the anatomical accuracy of the bird, which possesses a lifelike presence despite the decorative arrangement of the surrounding flora. The background remains relatively neutral, allowing the subject to occupy the visual field without distraction. The work reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the mid-Edo period, where the study of natural history intersected with refined artistic practice. The inclusion of the artist's seal and signature in the lower left corner confirms its provenance within his larger body of work. This print captures the precision of the original silk painting, preserving the delicate tonal shifts and the clarity of the brushwork.