Artwork
秋の花に鶉図|Quail and Autumn Flowers
秋の花に鶉図|Quail and Autumn Flowers is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Tosa Mitsuoki. It dates from 1683 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Created in 1683, Quail and Autumn Flowers is executed as a hanging scroll utilizing ink and color applied to a silk support.
Created in 1683, Quail and Autumn Flowers is executed as a hanging scroll utilizing ink and color applied to a silk support. The work measures 97.8 cm in height and 41.6 cm in width, reflecting the vertical format typical of Japanese hanging scrolls. As a product of the Tosa school under the hand of Tosa Mitsuoki, the painting employs traditional materials consistent with the genre's emphasis on delicate detail and courtly aesthetics.
The medium combines ink outlines with colored pigments to depict the titular birds and floral elements. While the specific handling techniques of the brushwork are not detailed in the provided records, the choice of silk and the integration of ink and color align with established Edo-period painting practices for this classification. The piece remains a representative example of the artist's work within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
Created in 1683, the hanging scroll Quail and Autumn Flowers is attributed to the Japanese artist Tosa Mitsuoki. Executed in ink and color on silk, the work measures 97.8 cm in height and 41.6 cm in width. While the specific commission details and original ownership chain are not detailed in the available records, the painting's creation is firmly dated to the year 1683.
The artwork, which depicts birds and flowers, is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Japan. The piece is classified within the genre of religious painting and represents Mitsuoki's contribution to the depiction of seasonal flora and fauna during the late 17th century.
Overview
“Quail and Autumn Flowers” is a hanging scroll painted by Tosa Mitsuoki in 1683, using ink and color on silk. This work presents a plump quail standing alertly amidst delicate pink and white autumn flowers and tall grasses. The composition combines precise detail with soft coloration, creating an intimate scene that evokes a quiet moment in nature, characteristic of the artist's refined approach.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a plump quail, poised with one foot lifted, amidst a cluster of pink and white autumn flowers and tall grasses. The bird's alert posture suggests a momentary pause in its natural environment. While appearing as a direct observation of nature, the work is categorized as a religious painting, suggesting it may have served a devotional or contemplative purpose within its original context, perhaps symbolizing transient beauty or spiritual reflection.
Context
This hanging scroll was specifically conceived for display in a quiet, private setting, rather than a grand palatial hall. Its modest scale and intimate subject matter align with an environment conducive to personal contemplation or appreciation. This intended context influenced the artwork's subdued palette and delicate execution, fostering a sense of tranquility and personal connection for the viewer.
Artist & collection
