White Wisteria c. 1830s

"White Wisteria" is a hand-painted uchiwa-e (fan painting) by the Japanese artist Yamada Hōgyoku (1804-1844) that depicts a single branch of white wisteria blossoms, a symbol of beauty and fragility. The delicate brushwork captures the graceful curves of the wisteria, creating a sense of movement. The pale colors evoke a sense of serenity, while the red-toned background provides a subtle contrast. This painting, from the 1830s, is a testament to the enduring appeal of nature in Japanese art.