Kakemono Blooming Plum Branch

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Signature / Stamp:
Sakai Houki
Period:
Meiji (1868–1912)
Dimensions (height x width):
177 x 60 cm
Item number:
6169

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was handmade by Sakai Houki and was a one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.

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Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiBone
  • Material HonshiSilk
  • MotifFlowers and Plants
  • TechniqueHand-Painted
  • Wooden BoxYes

Description

Delicate white plum blossoms speckle an elegantly winding branch that sweeps across the picture plane of this kakemono, while individual twigs bearing red nandina berries add further touches of color. The sweeping line of the branch lends the composition a natural, almost dance-like movement that effortlessly guides the viewer's eye through the image.

The blooming plum tree is one of the oldest and most popular motifs in Japanese painting, as it is among the first trees to blossom in the year, thereby symbolizing hope, renewal, and resilience against the cold of winter. Combined with the brilliant red berries, it creates an image of festive, almost New Year's mood.

The work bears the signature and seal of Sakai Houki, created in the Meiji period, executed on silk and preserved with its accompanying wooden box. An evocative kakemono, well suited to welcoming the transition from winter to spring into one's own rooms.

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