Box with Design of Bellflower and Bush Clover 1850 - 1899

This small box, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, was created by Ogata Kōrin, a master of the Rinpa school, sometime before his death in 1716. The box captivates with its exquisite design, dominated by the iridescent shimmer of bellflower and bush clover motifs. The artist juxtaposes the hard, angular lines of the box itself with delicate floral forms. Kōrin’s strategic placement of mother-of-pearl inlays creates a play of light and shadow, giving the impression of movement. The metallic sheen of the box’s ground emphasizes the natural, organic shapes, highlighting their contrast. This sophisticated use of materials and forms reflects the Rinpa school's broader interest in decorative patterns and natural themes. The careful asymmetry of the composition, with flowers seemingly scattered yet harmoniously arranged, hints at a deeper engagement with nature's unpredictable beauty. Kōrin masterfully integrates this box’s function as an object with its aesthetic qualities.