Irises and Eight-fold Bridge

This painting on silk depicts luxuriant irises, in various stages of bloom, along a zigzag bridge. The flat surfaces of the bridge are depicted in a technique known as "tarashikomi," where ink and colors are applied one over another to create pooled hues and blurred edges. Sakai Hôitsu's focused view highlights the brilliant blues and white accents of the blossoms, the bright greens of the leaves, and the mottled browns of the bridge. Gold leaf represents the water under the bridge. The painted silk panels were mounted separately with boldly designed paper that has gold and silver sprinkled in patterns to suggest flowing water.