Irises 1854 - 1857

"Irises" is a pair of hanging scrolls by Suzuki Kiitsu, a prominent artist of the Edo period, completed between 1854-1857. Known for his exquisite depictions of nature, Kiitsu portrays a tranquil scene of vibrant blue irises blooming by a stream, with delicate details of birds, including a kingfisher, adding a touch of lively movement to the composition. These works demonstrate Kiitsu's mastery of the *kachōga* genre, which specializes in depicting birds and flowers, and are now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.