Artwork
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is an unspecified painting by the Rinpa school artist Ogata Kenzan. It dates from 1743 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1743 by the Japanese artist Ogata Kenzan, this painted hand‑fan depicts a cluster of white chrysanthemums set against a gold field. The composition is arranged in a circular motif, with overlapping blossoms and verdant leaves that convey a sense of balanced harmony. The piece is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif of white chrysanthemums, a flower traditionally associated with autumn and longevity in Japanese culture, is rendered in a stylized yet naturalistic manner. The circular arrangement suggests continuity and the cyclical nature of the seasons, while the gold background evokes a sense of refined elegance typical of aristocratic decorative objects.
Technique & Style
Kenzan employed delicate brushwork to achieve subtle shading on the petals and foliage, creating a realistic sense of volume against the flat, luminous gold ground. The use of fine lines and careful layering of pigment demonstrates the artist’s mastery of the Rinpa aesthetic, which emphasizes decorative patterning and a restrained color palette.
History & Provenance
The fan was produced during the Edo period, a time when painted folding fans were both functional accessories and status symbols. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through a 20th‑century acquisition, joining other works by Kenzan that illustrate his contribution to decorative arts in early modern Japan.
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