Rabbits under the Moon, Peonies, and Hollyhocks 19th century

Ogata Kōrin painted "Rabbits under the Moon, Peonies, and Hollyhocks" on silk sometime in the late 17th century. It epitomizes the Rinpa style, which found beauty in nature while also referencing classical Japanese literature and design. During the Edo period, when Kōrin was alive, there was an increasing interest in paintings that drew on historical and cultural touchstones. The motifs of rabbits, peonies, and hollyhocks may seem simply decorative to us now, but they would have carried symbolic weight. Rabbits, for instance, are associated with the moon in Japanese folklore. Peonies represent wealth and honor, and hollyhocks are linked with summer. The arrangement of the image and the materials with which it was made speak to the cultural values of the time, including respect for nature, an appreciation for beauty, and the importance of cultural literacy. To fully appreciate this artwork, we must look at period literature, cultural histories, and writings on aesthetics. Doing so will help us see this painting as more than just a pretty picture.