The artwork, titled “Rice Locust, Red Dragonfly, Pinks, Chinese Bell Flowers,” was created by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1788. It belongs to the art movement Ukiyo-e and falls under the landscape genre.
The artwork depicts a meticulous and serene scene from nature. At the forefront, vibrant flowers, known as pinks and Chinese bell flowers, blossom in rich reds and soft pale purples. An intricate rice locust is illustrated climbing a plant stalk, complemented by the presence of a red dragonfly. The elements in the piece are captured with delicate precision and evoke a sense of harmonious tranquility, characteristic of Utamaro’s finely detailed and naturalistic style. The overall composition exudes simplicity and grace, emblematic of the Ukiyo-e movement’s appreciation for beauty in fleeting moments.
