Joy in the Garden

1920-1921

Japanese, 1870 - 1931

This painting reflects Kakô's interest in Korea around the time of his trip to the Diamond Mountains in 1920. Here, Kakô made a centerpiece of the billowing traditional dresses of the Korean women. Their vibrant scarlet contrasts with the mass of white flowers above. While red and white symbolically connote a celebratory occasion, it is Kakô's exuberant brush style that conveys the joyous mood of early spring.

Ink and colors on pale green tinted silk

79 5/8 x 15 3/4 in. 202.3 x 40cm)

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2010.41.25

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 168, illus. 42.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM