Ink Traces of Kenzan (Kenzan iboku) 1823

"Ink Traces of Kenzan" (1823) is a woodblock print by Sakai Hōitsu (1761-1828), an artist known for his refined style within the Rinpa school of painting. The print depicts a flowering plum tree, a favored subject in Japanese art, symbolizing resilience and purity. Hōitsu's delicate lines and elegant composition capture the beauty of the blossoming branches against a pale blue sky. The subtle use of color, particularly the delicate pink of the blossoms and the cool blue of the sky, evokes a sense of tranquility. "Ink Traces of Kenzan" is a masterpiece of Rinpa art, exemplifying the movement's appreciation for natural beauty and refined aesthetics.