Red and White Plum Blossoms

work by Ogata Korin

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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"Red and White Plum Blossoms" is a renowned screen painting by Ogata Kōrin, a master of the Sōtatsu-Kōetsu school of Japanese decorative painting during the Tokugawa period (1603–1868). This artwork exemplifies Kōrin's distinctive style, which masterfully blends abstract decorative design with a keen observation of nature.1

The painting is celebrated for its flat, decorative quality and its abstract color patterns. Kōrin's work, including "Red and White Plum Blossoms," is a prime example of the rinpa style, characterized by its lavish use of materials and its focus on stylized natural motifs. This piece is considered a supreme achievement of Kōrin's artistic career.12

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Ogata Kōrin
…this period is the screen Red and White Plum Blossoms (c. 18th century). In this work, Kōrin’s sense of flat decorative design and his feeling for nature, combined with an emphasis on an abstract colour pattern, are seen at their very best. Although he died at the age of 59,…
Read More
…this period is the screen Red and White Plum Blossoms (c. 18th century). In this work, Kōrin’s sense of flat decorative design and his feeling for nature, combined with an emphasis on an abstract colour pattern, are seen at their very best. Although he died at the age of 59,…
Read More