This Rinpa-school masterpiece depicts luxuriant irises along a zigzag bridge. The flowers are shown in stages of bloom while the flat surfaces of the bridge are done in a technique known as tarashikomi, where ink and colors are applied one over another to create pooled colors 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 are separately mounted with boldly designed paper that has gold and silver sprinkled in patterns to suggest flowing water.
