Piece of Art

Tiltle: Flycatcher and Chrysanthemums

Artist: Kano Yosetsu

Date: 16th century

Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Size: 132.1 x 59.7 cm

Country of Origin: Japan

Current Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

I think, this picture is very inspiring. I find it really adorable. It's called Ukiyo-e, which is the main artistic genre of woodblock printing paintings, featuring motifs of landscapes, tales from history, the theatre etc. Ukiyo-e is very popular  in Japan and worldwide, and still attracts many admirers. Not much is actually known about this picture or the artist.

I can't fully describe the emotions I experience by looking at this canvas. It is very relaxing and pleasant for eyes and for soul. The combination of colours is so harmonious and composed. It can't be called "breath-taking" or "memorable", but still it's deep and peaceful. It conforms the Eastern philosophy of inner balance, soul harmony and consent with the world of nature. 

The bird flycatcher is very honoured in its homeland. Its song counts as one of the three most beautiful bird songs in Japan. Its  symbolizes the sky, and the beauty of nature. Also, these birds are said to bring happiness.

Chrysanthemums, which are represented here, are also symbolic. In Japan this flower called "the golden flower" or "the flower of sun", and it symbolizes perfection and majesty. 

Japanese art is very different from the art of west. Of course it's not that  colourful, and appealing to the eyes. It's very simplistic, using an easy palette of colours, but still it's really inspiring.