White Plum Blossoms

The "White Plum Blossoms" is in the Kita-bisashi room of the Kogosho building. Although many of the wall paintings in the Kogosho were damaged in the fire of 1954, this work is one of the precious original copies that escaped destruction. The layered pigments applied to the petals of the blossoms create a three-dimensional effect, representing the blossoms in full, delicate bloom. The artist, Hata Nanrei, was a disciple of Hara Zaisho, who created many works for the Imperial Court. Hata Nanrei also painted the "Red Plum Blossoms" depicted on the reverse side of this work. The reproduction can be viewed here.