Hasu (lotus)

The painting titled "Hasu (lotus)" by Megata Morikaga beautifully captures the elegant simplicity and serene beauty of the lotus flower. In this artwork, Morikaga has meticulously illustrated a pink lotus in bloom, accompanied by its characteristic large, round leaves, which float gracefully in ponds or water bodies in nature.The lotus flower, with its delicate petals spread open, is a central focus of the composition. The artist uses shades of pink and red to bring out the natural vibrancy and myriad shades found in lotus blossoms, adding subtle strokes of yellow at the center to depict the pollen-laden stamens that add a contrasting visual texture. This central flower is offset beautifully by the broad, verdant green leaves, which are depicted with detailed veining, suggesting their waxy texture and their ability to repel water.Alongside the fully bloomed lotus, a budding flower is also included in the composition, positioned lower in the artwork. This bud, rendered in darker hues of red and pink, promises a future bloom, adding a sense of life cycle and renewal that lotuses symbolize.The background of the painting is minimal, using pale colors to ensure that the focus remains firmly on the plant itself. This artistic choice enhances the viewer’s feeling of peace and tranquility, reflective of the lotus flower’s symbolism in many cultures as a sign of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, undisturbed by the muddy waters from which it rises.