Lotus in Bloom c. 19th century

hanging-scroll

toned paper

water colours

japan

possibly oil pastel

handmade artwork painting

hanging-scroll

tile art

coffee painting

underpainting

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

calligraphy

"Lotus in Bloom" is a 19th-century ink and color painting by Taki Katei, a renowned Japanese artist. The delicate brushstrokes and subtle washes create a captivating image of a lotus flower in full bloom. The artist's masterful use of negative space emphasizes the beauty and grace of the subject, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in traditional Japanese art. The painting, housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies Katei's signature style, showcasing his skill in capturing the essence of nature with understated elegance.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

Taki Katei specialized in Chinese literati style painting which he learned from Japanese masters Araki Kankai and Ooka Umpo but, also from Chinese scholar painters living in Nagasaki. The small scale of this painting, its seasonal and symbolic theme make it appropriate for use in the tea ceremony. The lotus has long been a Buddhist emblem, representing the perfection and "flowering" of the Buddha's teachings. The inscription may be translated: Untainted by muddy waters,The most fragrant of flowers.