Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

Upon encountering "Irises" by Kogyo Tsukioka, the viewer is met with a serene and harmonious depiction of nature, rendered in the elegant style characteristic of late 19th to early 20th-century Japanese art. The composition features a dynamic yet balanced arrangement of irises, which are painted in meticulous detail.

The irises, tall and slender with their gracefully arching leaves, dominate the artwork. The color palette is rich yet soothing, consisting predominantly of soft purples, blues, and greens with touches of white and yellow, capturing the natural hues of the famous blooms. The blossoms are depicted at various stages of bloom, conveying a sense of life and natural progression.

The use of space in "Irises" is notable for its reflective simplicity and effectiveness. The background is minimalistic, allowing the vibrantly colored flowers to stand out. There is a subtle sense of movement in the way the leaves bend and twist, suggesting a gentle breeze.

Kogyo's skill in utilizing linework is evident, as the lines are both strong and delicate, contributing to the overall texture and growth of the irises. The painting evokes a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty and transience of nature.

Artist: Kogyo Tsukioka
Timeframe: 1890–1900

Background:
Kogyo Tsukioka (1869-1927) was a prominent artist involved in the Kacho-ga (bird and flower painting) tradition and Ukiyo-e, which flourished in Japan during the Edo period and continued into the Meiji era. His works often integrated the cultural ideals of beauty and harmony found in nature, reflecting a deep appreciation for the world. Tsukioka's exceptional ability to marry intricate detail with understated elegance places him among revered artists of his time.

Museum/Collection:
The original "Irises" by Kogyo Tsukioka is housed in the Freer Gallery of Art, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. This museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Asian artworks, particularly those from Japan.

Artistic Movements and Career Context:

"Irises" fits seamlessly into Kogyo Tsukioka's body of work and the broader artistic trends of his era. The Meiji period, during which Kogyo created this piece, was a time of significant transformation in Japan, marked by rapid modernization and an increasing openness to Western influences. Despite this, traditional Japanese artistic forms remained highly valued and were preserved and celebrated by artists like Kogyo.

His work continued the Ukiyo-e tradition in a time when it was being reconsidered and recontextualized. The portrayal of nature themes, such as the depiction of irises, played a crucial role in maintaining a cultural connection to the Japanese landscape and seasonal beauty, considered purification imagery.

This painting also reflects the broader trends of Shin-Hanga, the early 20th-century movement that sought to revive traditional woodblock printing techniques while incorporating aspects of Western realism. Kogyo’s attention to detail, color, and composition is apparent in this work, making it a splendid example of cross-cultural and historical artistic dialogues.

- Naturalism: Kogyo’s "Irises" stand out for the careful, realistic depiction of the flowers, showcasing diverse textures and recognizable botanical features.
- Color and Composition: The use of traditional Japanese color palettes and the minimalist background enhances the vibrancy and delicate beauty of the flora.
- Cultural Significance: Irises, in Japanese culture, symbolize various elements including strength and protection from evil, adding layers of meaning to the painting.
- Technological Skill: The mastery in woodblock print techniques is evident, bridging the classical Ukiyo-e tradition with evolving artistic sensibilities of the Meiji period.

In sum, "Irises" by Kogyo Tsukioka is more than an exquisite floral representation; it is a significant cultural artifact bridging classical Japanese artistic traditions with the modern influences of the Meiji era, capturing both the natural sophistication and the evolving artistic paradigms of its time.