Ogata Korin

Ogata Korin was a Japanese artist who lived and worked in the Edo period. Born in Kyoto in 1658, he came from a wealthy merchant family that was also involved in the production of textiles. Korin was known not only as a painter, but also as a lacquer artist and textile designer. His artistic style was characterized by an innovative use of color and a departure from the traditional themes of his time. He is considered one of the most important representatives of the Rinpa school, an art movement known for its vibrant colors and stylized depictions of nature.

Although Korin began pursuing art at a young age, it was not until his forties that he achieved greater recognition. His works are characterized by a unique dynamic and an almost modern abstraction that was rarely found in Japanese art of his time. Korin drew strong inspiration from nature, which is reflected in his vivid and often simplified depictions of plants and animals. His influence on subsequent generations of artists, particularly within the Rinpa school, was immense and his techniques and styles are valued and studied to this day.

Interesting fact:

One of the most notable features of Ogata Korin's art is his ability to create a vivid representation of nature with just a few brush strokes. A famous example of this is his depiction of waves, where he uses a combination of blue and white lines to create a dynamic and almost hypnotic effect. This technique has gained recognition not only in Japanese art but also in the Western world and continues to inspire artists today.

Significant Artworks & Images by Ogata Korin:

1. "Irises on a gold background" (around 1701)
2. "Waves in the Blue Ocean" (date unknown)
3. "Plum Blossoms" (1705)
4. "Red and White Plum Blossoms" (around 1714-1716)
5. "Nashiji lacquer tray with design of streams and bridges" (date unknown)
6. "Fan with maple leaves" (1709)
7. "Umbrella with Pines, Bamboo and Plums" (date unknown)
8. "Sleeping Dragon" (1706)
9. "Futatsu Domoe" (date unknown)
10. "Umbrella with autumn grasses" (1707)