Who painted Paulownias and Chrysanthemums?

Paulownias and Chrysanthemums was painted by Sakai Hōitsu in 1804-01-01.

Where can I see Paulownias and Chrysanthemums?

Paulownias and Chrysanthemums is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Paulownias and Chrysanthemums?

Paulownias and Chrysanthemums is associated with Rinpa school.

Can I buy a print of Paulownias and Chrysanthemums?

Museum-quality prints of Paulownias and Chrysanthemums are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Paulownias and Chrysanthemums

Sakai Hōitsu , 1804

Paulownias and Chrysanthemums is an unspecified painting by the Rinpa school artist Sakai Hōitsu. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1804 by the Japanese painter Sakai Hōitsu, Paulownias and Chrysanthemums is a hanging scroll now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Created in 1804 by the Japanese painter Sakai Hōitsu, Paulownias and Chrysanthemums is a hanging scroll now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition balances a sweeping branch of foliage on the right with a stylized wave on the left, while a modest hill hosts delicate blossoms. The overall effect is one of quiet, cultivated naturalism typical of early‑nineteenth‑century Japanese painting.

Subject & Meaning

The work juxtaposes two botanical motifs: a sprawling paulownia branch bearing green leaves and blue‑tinted flowers, and a cluster of white chrysanthemums with yellow centers emerging from a low, speckled hill. The contrasting elements, tree and hill, wave‑like form and floral clusters, suggest a harmonious dialogue between cultivated garden space and the broader landscape, a theme often explored in Edo‑period decorative art.

Technique & Style

Hōitsu employs the Rinpa school’s hallmark use of gold leaf and mineral pigments, evident in the subtle gold flecks that texture the hill and the luminous accents on the wave‑like shape. The brushwork combines delicate line for the foliage with broader, flat washes for the background, creating a layered surface that balances realism with decorative abstraction.

History & Provenance

Painted during the later phase of Hōitsu’s career, the piece reflects his continued interest in reinterpreting classical motifs for a contemporary audience. After remaining in private Japanese collections for more than a century, the scroll entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings in the early twentieth century, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s Asian art assemblage.