Irises and Moth 1840 - 1860

"Irises and Moth" is a hanging scroll painting by Suzuki Kiitsu, a prominent Japanese artist of the Edo period. Created between 1840 and 1860, the painting depicts a delicate arrangement of purple irises, with their long, slender leaves and vibrant blossoms, rising from the bottom of the composition. A single, light-colored moth hovers in the upper right corner, adding a sense of movement and tranquility to the scene. This piece showcases Kiitsu's mastery of the *literati* (bunjinga) style, characterized by its emphasis on naturalism, subtle brushwork, and refined aesthetic. The work is now part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.