Collection

Indian Corn Plants

KOBAYASHI, Kokei

1939

Information

Title
Indian Corn Plants
Artist
KOBAYASHI, Kokei View artist Information
Year
1939
Collection
Purchased
Medium
color on paper, a pair of two-fold screens
Size(cm)
each 167.6×181.0
Collection ID no.
J00511

Commentary

In this work, two corn plants, one on either side, are depicted with contrasting forms and colors. The plant on the right screen has a stable form that stretches straight up, while the one on the left leans heavily to the right as if it is swaying in a strong wind. This type of composition, which creates a contrast between stillness and motion, is also common in works by Ogata Korin including Red and White Plum Blossoms (18th century, MOA Museum of Art Collection). Kobayashi’s use of blank space, rich formal depiction, and tarashi-komi (a technique in which drops of black ink, color or water are applied to an already painted but not yet dried area) to portray the leaves reveal the artist’s deep admiration for Tawaraya Sotatsu.

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