Ogata Korin

This work offers a detailed exploration of Ogata Kōrin, a key figure in Edo period art, examining his diverse techniques and the influences shaping his innovative approach to various media.

Ogata Korin presents an in-depth exploration of one of the most influential artists of Japan's Edo period. Renowned for his iconic works such as Irises and Red and White Plum Blossoms, Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716) was a versatile artist whose talents spanned various forms, including hanging scrolls, screen paintings, fan paintings, lacquer, textiles, and ceramics. This book delves into Kōrin's multifaceted career, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of his contributions to Japanese art.

Author Frank Feltens combines meticulous archival research, social history, and visual analysis to place Kōrin within the context of early modern Japan's art culture. He examines the financial challenges and client demands that influenced Kōrin's artistic choices, as well as the competitive nature of the art world during that era. This contextualization highlights how external factors shaped Kōrin's approach to art-making, revealing a dynamic interplay between personal expression and market realities.

In addition to its historical insights, the book offers a thoughtful visual analysis of Kōrin's work. Feltens emphasizes Kōrin's innovative techniques, such as his incorporation of painterly methods into lacquer design and his ceramics that emulate the look of ink paintings. As the first significant study of Kōrin published in English, this book provides an intimate and thought-provoking portrait of a pivotal figure in Japanese art, inviting readers to appreciate the depth and richness of Kōrin's legacy.