Artwork

Chrysanthemums by the Water

Chrysanthemums by the Water, by Sakai Hōitsu, unspecified, 1794
Chrysanthemums by the Water, by Sakai Hōitsu, unspecified, 1794

Chrysanthemums by the Water is an unspecified painting by the Nihonga artist Sakai Hōitsu. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Chrysanthemums by the Water, a still life painting by Sakai Hōitsu, dates to 1794 and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a natural scene of bright yellow chrysanthemums growing beside a dark blue river, set against green foliage and a sandy bank, with overhanging branches.

Technique & Style

Hōitsu employed simple geometric forms and vibrant, contrasting colors (notably warm yellows against cool dark blues) to create a sense of freshness and vitality, with the plain background emphasizing the flowers.

History & Provenance

Created in 1794 by Sakai Hōitsu, the work is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.