Flowers of Spring and Autumn - Ogata Kōrin

A pair of hanging scrolls by Ogata Kōrin depicting the seasonal contrast between spring plum blossoms and autumn flowers.

Ogata Kōrin, a central figure of the Edo-period Rinpa school, produced these hanging scrolls as a study of seasonal transition. The composition is divided into two distinct panels, each capturing the essence of specific flora associated with the changing calendar. The left scroll depicts a collection of autumn plants, including chrysanthemums and bellflowers, rendered with a focus on their natural forms and seasonal character. The right scroll presents the stark, elegant branches of a plum tree, a classic harbinger of spring in Japanese art.

Kōrin employs the characteristic Rinpa aesthetic, which balances decorative artifice with a keen observation of nature. The ink work is precise, particularly in the gnarled, dark branches of the plum tree, which contrast with the softer, more colourful application of pigment on the autumn flowers. The use of negative space is deliberate, allowing the viewer to focus on the silhouette and gesture of each plant. This approach avoids clutter, ensuring that the viewer perceives the individual qualities of each species.

These scrolls reflect the broader cultural interest in the passage of time and the cyclical nature of the seasons, a theme frequently explored by Kōrin and his contemporaries. The artist uses a refined palette, relying on muted earth tones and subtle colour accents to maintain a sense of harmony. The mounting of the scrolls, featuring a repeating pattern, complements the imagery without distracting from the central subjects. This work demonstrates Kōrin's ability to synthesise traditional ink painting techniques with a modern, graphic sensibility that defined the Rinpa style. The scrolls function as a visual dialogue between the dormant potential of winter and the eventual arrival of spring, captured through the medium of ink and colour on silk.