Canon

About the Works

Eight-Planked Bridge

Ogata Korin

  • 「Eight-Planked Bridge」 Ogata Korin
  • 「Eight-Planked Bridge」 Ogata Korin

Facsimile of a work in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. May not be further reproduced or resold. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase, Louisa Eldridge McBurney Gift, 1953(53.7.1-2) Photograph © 1993 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

These images are based on the high resolution facsimile produced by the Tsuzuri Project. Unauthorized copying, duplication, or transfer of these images is strictly prohibited.

DATA
Artist:
Ogata Korin
Historical era:
Edo (18th century)
Material:
printed, gold on washi paper
Medium:
Pair of six-fold screens
Theme:
High Resolution Facsimile of Japanese Art Abroad
Size:
Each screen H179.1 × W371.5 cm
Recipient:
Kyoto CityMAP
[Original]
Current owner:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Material:
ink, color and gold on washi paper
DESCRIPTION

This folding screen is considered one of the best works of Korin, which, along with Waves at Matsushima, painted by Sotatsu (Freer Gallery of Art), are revered in the US as the two greatest works of the Rimpa school. The painting is gallantly bright, causing the patches of irises in green and purple and the paled black bridge to levitate off the gold background. The brilliant composition and contrasting colors captivate the viewer's senses at first sight. Sharp tensions are dramatized by the weaving path of bridge crossing through the rhythmically lined flowers. A technique called "tarashikomi" is heavily used to paint the bridge wherein a second color is poured over the undried first color. This lends a soft touch to the otherwise aggressive geometry of the bridge. Korin painted this work in his later years, a decade after painting Iris laevigata, now a National Treasure.

About the Works