Flowers of Autumn and Winter c. 19th century

Suzuki Kiitsu created "Flowers of Autumn and Winter," a screen painting, using ink, color, and gold leaf on paper. Screens like these would often be commissioned for display in the homes of wealthy merchants and members of the samurai class in Japan. Kiitsu was a member of the Rinpa school, which looked to the natural world for artistic inspiration but it was also known for its creative use of materials and techniques. Gold leaf, for example, created a sense of opulence and luxury, reflecting the rising economic power of the merchant class during the Edo period. The composition features motifs associated with both autumn and winter, reflecting an interest in seasonal change that pervaded much of Japanese art. The screen might have acted as a subtle commentary on the transience of life or a celebration of nature's beauty. To learn more, look into the social and economic history of Japan's Edo period, and consider the patronage systems that supported artists like Suzuki Kiitsu.