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Inspiring Artist of the day - Ogata Kōrin

Moira Carter


Irises by Ogata Kōrin

In my bookcase is a copy of the Royal Academy catalogue for The Great Japan Exhibition, held in 1981.

I went with my father and we both loved it to bits!

He came away with a passion for Samurai armour - particularly sword hilts - netsuke and inro, and I came away with a passion for woodblock prints, ceramics and Edo period Kimono.

This particular work 'Irises' by Ogata Kōrin - according to the catalogue - was not there!

Although for years I have thought it was where I first came across it, now I'm wondering if I have ever seen it in the flesh, perhaps it is too precious to leave Japan ...it's considered a Japanese National Treasure, and I can see why, it's absolutely beautiful.

The image above is just a wee portion of a pair of screens and the background is decorated with sheets of gold leaf. Click on it to find out more about and the man who created it.

Illustration and Surface Pattern Designs available for license

Self confessed lover of colour, line, and the serendipitous moment!

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All content © Moira Rae Carter

Moira carter

Chester, United Kingdom

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