Bellflowers in Basket 1700 - 1743

"Bellflowers in Basket" is a painting on paper by Ogata Kenzan, a prominent Japanese potter and painter from the Edo period. This artwork showcases a simple yet elegant composition of white and blue bellflowers arranged in a woven basket, a recurring motif in Kenzan’s work. The calligraphic inscription in the upper left corner, possibly a poem or an inscription about the flowers, adds a literary element to the painting, typical of Japanese aesthetics. This piece exemplifies Kenzan's signature style that combined traditional Japanese painting techniques with a bold and natural aesthetic, reflecting his deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.