Who painted Maize and Cockscombs?

Maize and Cockscombs was painted by Tawaraya Sōtatsu.

Where can I see Maize and Cockscombs?

Maize and Cockscombs is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Maize and Cockscombs?

Maize and Cockscombs is associated with Rinpa school.

Artwork

Maize and Cockscombs

Tawaraya Sōtatsu

Maize and Cockscombs is an unspecified painting by the Rinpa school artist Tawaraya Sōtatsu. It is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Maize and Cockscombs is a six-panel screen painting created by Tawaraya Sōtatsu around 1650. It is a representative work of the Rinpa school, characterized by its use of vivid colors and flowing forms on a gold background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts stylized maize and cockscomb flowers, along with other plants, in a decorative arrangement. The emphasis on natural motifs reflects the Rinpa school's focus on refined elegance and the beauty of nature.

Technique & Style

Sōtatsu employed innovative techniques, such as tarashikomi, to achieve the painting's detailed and expressive style. The gold background and black-edged borders add to the work's luxurious and refined appearance.

History & Provenance

The painting is attributed to Tawaraya Sōtatsu, a Japanese painter active in the early 17th century, known for his collaborations with calligrapher Hon'ami Kōetsu. It is now held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist & collection

Artist

Tawaraya Sōtatsu

Tawaraya Sōtatsu (俵屋宗達; c. 1570 – c. 1640) was a Japanese furniture designer and painter of the Rinpa school. Sōtatsu is best known for his decorations of calligraphic works by his partner Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558–1637),…