| dc.description.abstract | This thesis chose four kakemono of the eclectic collection, indicative of the diversity of the Edo period (1615-1868), to research with the purpose of substantiating Leora Stroup's attributions of artist, school, and date. Jurojin, a figural painting of the Japanese god of longevity derived from the Chinese Taoist Zhang Guolao, is attributed to the Unkoku School with unknown artist and date. This thesis discusses the rich iconography, style, and painting techniques of this Japanese work, challenging the dating. Cherry Blossoms and Leaves and Flowers and Leaves, kakemono of the "bird and flower" category, attributed to Sakai Hoichi, appear to be the work of the samurai artist Sakai Hoitsu. Hoitsu's biography is traced, as well as the history of "bird and flower" painting, and comparisons made to known Sakai Hoitsu paintings. Plum Orchard, a landscape attributed to the literati Okada Hanko, is compared to known Hanko paintings with the inclusion of Hanko's biography and the historical development of the literati style, first in China, and then Japan. The findings of three Japanese translators, sought to decipher the five seals, signature, and calligraphy of Plum Orchard, affirm a date of 1854 written with a poem and all do not confirm Okada Hanko as artist. The diversity of the art of this period is reflective of the dynamic change occurring in this pre-modern time of Japanese history. | |
