Ōson (Hōitsu) Picture Album (Ōson gafu) 1817

Sakai Hōitsu created this image album, Ōson gafu, at an unknown date, using woodblock printing to capture delicate scenes from nature. Hōitsu lived during the Edo period, a time of relative peace and flourishing arts in Japan, but also a period marked by rigid social hierarchies and isolationist policies. As a member of the aristocratic class, Hōitsu had the privilege to pursue artistic endeavors, becoming a prominent figure in the Rinpa school, which sought to revive classical Japanese art. Within this print we can see two turtles in a minimalist composition, where the artist uses subtle colors and carefully placed forms to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. In Japanese culture, turtles symbolize longevity and good fortune. Hōitsu's delicate rendition invites us to contemplate our place within the natural world, finding beauty in simplicity and seeking harmony in our own lives.