Cherry and Maple Trees 1820 - 1823

Sakai Hōitsu made this folding screen, painted with ink, color, and gold leaf on paper, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Born into a prominent samurai family, Hōitsu turned to art and the Buddhist priesthood, becoming a leading figure of the Rinpa school, which revitalized classical Japanese art styles. In Japan, cherry blossoms are profoundly linked to notions of beauty, transience, and renewal, embodying the ephemeral nature of life. The maple, with its changing colors, symbolizes transformation. By placing the trees against a shimmering gold background, Hōitsu amplifies the screen's decorative impact, intended for the homes of the wealthy merchant class. His delicate brushwork captures the subtle nuances of the natural world. Hōitsu’s rendering doesn't just depict trees; it evokes an emotional landscape, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and impermanence of existence.