Peony Sheltered by Rice Straw 1761 - 1828

"Peony Sheltered by Rice Straw" is a hanging scroll by Sakai Hōitsu, a prominent artist of the Rinpa school. Dating from the late Edo period, the painting depicts a delicate pink peony blooming beneath a protective covering of rice straw. This composition, executed with the characteristic elegance of the Rinpa style, highlights the artist's mastery of ink and color, capturing the beauty of a fleeting moment in nature. The minimalist background and carefully rendered details create a sense of tranquility and evoke the ethereal quality of the subject matter, making this a cherished piece of Japanese art.