Baika kougetuzu 

Ito Jakuchu created this painting of plum blossoms and moon, titled ‘Baika kougetuzu’, using ink and colour on silk. Immediately, one is struck by the density of the composition, where the branches of the plum tree fill the space. Against a muted background, the white blossoms appear to float, creating a subtle yet captivating contrast. Jakuchu’s deliberate use of line and form evokes a sense of both naturalism and artifice. The branches, rendered with bold, calligraphic strokes, establish a strong structural framework. The blossoms, on the other hand, are depicted with delicate precision, inviting a close and contemplative gaze. The moon, placed high in the composition, anchors the scene and provides a focal point. The juxtaposition of detailed elements with abstract forms challenges conventional ways of seeing and understanding the natural world. It prompts us to consider how the artist uses visual language to explore themes of beauty, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all things.