Colorful Realm of Living Beings: Peonies and Butterflies
芍薬群蝶図
Ito Jakuchu · c. 1757-58 (Horeki 7-8) · Hanging scroll
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One of the 30 scrolls of Ito Jakuchu's National Treasure Colorful Realm of Living Beings, a hanging scroll in color on silk showing blooming peonies and fluttering butterflies. It is dated to around 1757-58 (Horeki 7-8) and is held by the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan.
- Artist
- Ito Jakuchu
- Date
- c. 1757-58 (Horeki 7-8)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
Peonies and Butterflies is one of the 30 scrolls of Colorful Realm of Living Beings. According to the Sannomaru Shozokan's record, it is painted in color on silk, measures 142.0 cm high by 79.8 cm wide, dates from around 1757-58 (Horeki 7-8) in the Edo period, and is designated a National Treasure.
At the bottom of the tall composition, pink, white, and red peonies bloom together, while many butterflies of different colors and sizes fly in the space above. With the flowers gathered below and open space above, the butterflies' movement stands out.
In the museum's record this scroll has the first accession number in the series, and its date of around 1757-58 is the earliest among the 30 scrolls.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru ShozokanMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Chiyoda, Tokyo Accession no. SZK002949-001
Plan your visit to The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, which holds "Colorful Realm of Living Beings: Peonies and Butterflies".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Colorful Realm of Living Beings: Peonies and Butterflies, and when?
- Colorful Realm of Living Beings: Peonies and Butterflies is by Ito Jakuchu, made in c. 1757-58 (Horeki 7-8). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Colorful Realm of Living Beings: Peonies and Butterflies?
- It is held by The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
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