Bicolour Chrysanthemums, with Poem by Chiyo-ni

In Japan the use of flowers in traditional artwork has much to do with the appreciation of temporal beauty. It is part of an underlying harmony with nature that permeates Eastern Philosophy. Irrespective of their cultural associations, what find throughout global traditions is that flowers give a decorative touch. This has been evident not only in woodblock prints and oil paintings, but also in fabrics, crafted artefacts, and with a myriad illustrated surfaces.

The use of flower visuals within different societies ought to be of little surprise. When in their natural setting, the teleologic aim of each blossom is to avoid being overlooked; plant reproduction relies on it. Similarly, the human eye is not immune to the attractiveness of a flower in bloom, be it real or illustrated. In spite of the likelihood of cliché, this has remained a timeless subject, spanning the artwork of bygone economic systems, to the markets that operate in the present day.

“The art of the past no longer exists as it once did. Its authority is lost. In its place there is a language of images. What matters now is who uses that language for what purpose.”

Ways of Seeing – John Berger

The Haikus of Chiyo-ni

Chiyo-ni was a poet of the Edo period, and one of few prominent female writers of that time. From an early age her work showed much promise, and at age twelve she began to study under the disciples of the pre-eminent Matsuo Bashō. Her work is noted for the careful study of what was around her, and emphasis a harmony with nature. In later life she became a Buddhist nun, and continued to write haiku while living in peace with the outer world.

Bicolour Chrysanthemums (2024) is part of an ongoing exploration of Japanese visual culture. The featured poem is by Chiyo-ni:

黄菊咲く
野辺の秋風
静かなり

Yellow chrysanthemums bloom,
Autumn breeze in the fields—
So quiet.

Giclée printed onto archival quality 308gsm Hahnemule paper, this unique art-print is available unframed. The square format is equal to a 12 inch record sleeve, making suitable frames easy to find. Available to order via the online shop.