Morning Glories 18th century

Tawaraya Sōri painted "Morning Glories" on paper, a two-fold screen, sometime in the late 18th century. The composition is immediately striking; the eye is drawn to the delicate balance between the empty space and the clusters of morning glories, with their tendrils and leaves sprawling across the panels. The arrangement isn't symmetrical but it is considered, creating a visual rhythm that feels both natural and carefully planned. Sōri uses the concept of Ma, or negative space, which is crucial in Japanese art. This void isn't empty but an active element that gives structure and depth. It invites contemplation, allowing the forms to breathe and enhancing their presence. The ink work, with its subtle gradations and textures, reinforces this sense of depth. Through this formal language, Sōri transforms a simple subject into a profound meditation on space, form and the ephemeral beauty of nature.