Sakai Hōitsu
Japanese, 1761–1828
The Rising Sun with Flowers and Trees of the Four Seasons, 1820-1828
Triptych of hanging scrolls; ink and color on silk
Each: 41 1/8 x 16 1/8 in. (104.4 x 40.9 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York 10028
Painting apart of the Gitter-Yelen Collection
Sakai Hōitsu, Japanese artist, born in 1761 in the city of Edo, which is now present day Tokyo, was born into one of the highest-ranking daimyo clans (a family of wealth) within the district of Kanda, giving him access to the world of art and a lavish lifestyle allowing him to be able to observe the exquisite nature of Japan. Viewers will recognize the red rising sun in the middle of this triptych, which was an emblem of Japan before it appeared on the flag. Hōitsu’s choice of incorporating the lively atmosphere of Japan through the means of flowers embodies a long term view of the blossoming of flowers from different seasons ranging from the cherry tree being a representation of the spring months, to the irises signifying summer; as well as branches of an autumnal maple tree symbolizing fall, and the narcissi flowers symbolizing the winter.
Shawn Logan
An extended look at Sakai Hōitsu’s The Rising Sun with Flowers and Trees of the Four Seasons
Works Cited
McKelway, Matthew P. “Flowers and Rising Sun.” Silver Wind The Arts of Sakai Hōitsu (1761-1828). Distr. Yale University Press, New Haven & London. New York: Japan Society, n.d. 112-13. Print.
Parkes, Graham. “Japanese Aesthetics.” Stanford University. Stanford University, 12 Dec. 2005. Web. 15 July 2015. <http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-aesthetics/>.
“Sakai Hōitsu | The Rising Sun with Flowers and Trees of the Four Seasons | Japan | Edo Period (1615–1868).” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, I.e. The Met Museum, 2 Feb. 2000. Web. 15 July 2015. <http://metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?exhibitionId=%7B5bc821dc-2782-4897-854f-ebbdc0f09577%7D&oid=77220>.
“Fundamental Structure of the Government of Japan.” Fundamental Structure of the Government of Japan. N.p., 4 Mar. 2007. Web. 15 July 2015. <http://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/fundamental_e.html>.