Poppies 1834 - 1866

Suzuki Kiitsu created 'Poppies', a hanging scroll painting, using ink and color on silk. Unlike the industrialized processes we often associate with art production today, this work embodies a deep connection to traditional craft. The silk support itself speaks to a history of skilled labor. Producing fine silk involves cultivating silkworms, reeling the delicate threads, and weaving them into fabric, often by hand. The application of ink and mineral pigments requires precision and control. Notice how the artist uses subtle gradations and delicate brushstrokes to capture the texture and form of the poppies. Kiitsu’s training in the Rinpa school emphasized not just technical skill, but also an intimate understanding of natural forms and the changing seasons. By engaging with these materials and processes, Kiitsu connects with a rich cultural heritage. It’s a reminder that art-making is often deeply embedded in broader social and economic systems. This piece asks us to reconsider the amount of work, and cultural value involved in its production.