(Flowering silk tree), c. 1830-1843
Kitagawa Saigyoexpand_more
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of funds from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Maslonexpand_more P.77.27.159
Not on Viewexpand_more
Silk trees are a common sight in gardens and along boulevards in Japan. Their luxuriant foliage offers welcome shade in the heat of summer. Silk trees also produce elegant, pale pink flowers, as depicted here. Saigyo's rendering well represents their downy texture. Because its leaves close during the night and droop downward, the silk tree is popularly called "nemu no ki" or "sleeping tree" in Japanese. This unusual feature has inspired many poets who lyrically refer to "sleeping trees" in their verses about summer.
Details
- Title
- (Flowering silk tree)
- Artist Life
- born 1813
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.77.27.159
- Curator Approved
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