Chrysanthemums

Accession Number
1960/1.183

Title
Chrysanthemums

Artist(s)
Soga Shōhaku

Object Creation Date
18th century

Medium & Support
hanging scroll, ink on paper

Dimensions
47 5/8 in x 21 5/8 in (120.97 cm x 54.93 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
Soga Shōhaku was originally trained in the Kanō school, but is mostly known for his revival of Muromachi period (1333-1573) styles of ink painting that drew from Song (960-1279) and Ming dynasty (1368-1644) works that were imported from China at the time. His frenetic brush strokes seen in this painting are characteristic of his work writ large, and demonstrate his interest in the visual dynamism of medieval Japanese painting. Chrysanthemums are generally associated with the fall in both Japanese and Chinese painting traditions. 

Physical Description
This hanging scroll depicts three white chrysanthemums. The flowers form a dynamic arc, and were executed with powerful, rapid brushstrokes. The contrast between the thin lines of the petals of the flowers and the dark thick strokes made with the side of the brush suggesting the leaves and stalks of the plants creates the main visual drama of the painting. 

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
hanging scroll

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Chrysanthemum (genus)
Japan
chrysanthemum
flowers
hanging scroll
hanging scrolls
painting (image-making)

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted