Lotus Flowers in a Basket c. 18th century

Fukuhara Gogaku painted 'Lotus Flowers in a Basket' using ink and color on paper. Lotus flowers carry a rich tapestry of meaning in Asian cultures, particularly in Buddhism, where they symbolize purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The lotus rises, unsullied, from muddy waters, and perhaps Fukuhara saw his own journey reflected in this image. The delicacy of the brushstrokes and the subtle gradations of color evoke a sense of tranquility, inviting the viewer to pause and contemplate the beauty of the natural world. Notice the woven basket: it speaks to the artistry of everyday objects. The basket invites a conversation about the intersection of art and craft, of high and low culture. The lotus blossoms are not simply placed; they are presented. This elevation, perhaps, reflects a desire to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.