Persimmon Tree 1816

"Persimmon Tree" is a two-panel folding screen painted by Sakai Hōitsu in 1816. The screen depicts a persimmon tree laden with fruit, with the branches stretching across both panels. The tree's gnarled branches and delicate leaves are rendered with meticulous detail, creating a sense of both strength and fragility. Hōitsu's use of color is subtle, with the oranges of the persimmons contrasting with the soft greens of the leaves and the pale browns of the branches. The screen evokes a sense of quiet tranquility, making it a quintessential example of Japanese Rinpa style painting. The artwork can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.