(Sparrow on a wisteria branch) by Kōno Bairei 幸野楳嶺

(Sparrow on a wisteria branch) 1859 - 1895

ink, color-on-paper

water colours

egg art

book

japan

curved letter used

possibly oil pastel

handmade artwork painting

ink

fluid art

color-on-paper

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

botanical art

watercolor

This delicate painting titled "(Sparrow on a wisteria branch)" by Kōno Bairei captures the beauty of a sparrow perched on a wisteria branch. The artist's masterful use of washes creates a sense of depth and realism, showcasing the intricate details of the sparrow's plumage and the delicate blossoms of the wisteria. The piece exemplifies Bairei's talent for capturing the essence of nature, showcasing his mastery of the *kachō-ga* (bird-and-flower) genre. This artwork is now located at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist's vision of nature's tranquility.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Wisteria blooms in late spring and is one of the most beloved flowers in Japan. As a woody vine, it is often trained to cover arbors constructed in temples and shrines. The long, pendulous racemes hanging over these structures create a spectacular display. Here, the artist shows a spray of wisteria with a common sparrow, a sight one might enjoy while seated in an arbor. Køno Bairei, an artist whose artistic lineage descends from the great 18th century naturalist painter Maruyama Økyo (1733-95), depicted the sparrow and wisteria in astonishing detail.