Artwork
Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum
Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum is an unspecified painting by the Nihonga artist Tsubaki Chinzan. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum, created by Tsubaki Chinzan in 1837, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Created in 1837 in Japan, Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum is a painting by the Japanese artist Tsubaki Chinzan (1801–1854). The work depicts floral and arboreal subjects, specifically flowers and trees. While specific details regarding its original commission or intermediate ownership history are not provided in the available records, the painting is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1983.113.
The painting Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum, created by Tsubaki Chinzan in 1837, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The institution identifies the work under the accession number 1983.113. While the artwork's creation date and location in Japan are documented, the provided records do not list specific past exhibitions or loan history for this piece.
Context
Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum is a 1837 painting by Japanese artist Tsubaki Chinzan (1801–1854). The work, categorized as a painting, portrays a banana plant together with chrysanthemum flowers. It is held in the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is listed among the institution’s Japanese art holdings.
Its inclusion in a major museum collection reflects scholarly interest in Edo‑period botanical subjects and contributes to the historical record of early 19th‑century Japanese painting. The piece is documented in museum records and catalogues, underscoring its relevance to the study of Japanese flora in visual culture.
Overview
Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum is a painting created by Tsubaki Chinzan in 1837. This work, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, exemplifies the artist's approach to nature studies. It presents a focused depiction of botanical elements, characteristic of the period's interest in natural forms. The composition highlights the distinct qualities of two plant species, rendered with a refined sensibility.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features prominent, upright banana leaves rendered in dark green and gray tones, dominating the lower portion of the composition. Nearby, delicate chrysanthemum blossoms are interspersed, characterized by their yellow centers and blue-green petals. The artist's arrangement places these botanical elements against a largely unadorned background, allowing the viewer's attention to remain solely on the plants themselves.
Technique & Style
Tsubaki Chinzan employed a restrained technique in this painting, utilizing simple brushstrokes to convey the distinct textures of the leaves and flowers. The color palette is predominantly subdued, with dark greens and grays defining the banana plant. A notable contrast is provided by the bright yellow centers of the chrysanthemums, which introduce a vibrant accent. The expansive, unpainted background further emphasizes the depicted flora.
Artist & collection
Artist
Tsubaki Chinzan, originally Tasuku was a Japanese painter in the nanga style. His other art names include Hekiin Sambō, Kyūan (休庵), Shikyūan (四休庵) and Takukadō (琢華堂).
