(Three branches of coral) c. 1818 - 1829

"Three Branches of Coral" is a work by Japanese artist Okamoto Toyohiko, created sometime between 1818 and 1829. The artwork, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a simple yet striking depiction of three coral branches in red against a light background. The minimalist style is characteristic of Japanese art, using subtle colors and linework to create a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. The inclusion of a lengthy text in Japanese script suggests that the work might have been a part of a larger set of botanical studies, making this piece both visually appealing and a valuable record of Japanese natural history.