Bairei gafu, Pl.74 (1905)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
The piece titled "Bairei gafu, Pl.74" by Kōno Bairei, crafted in 1905, is a striking work that beautifully captures the elegance and subtlety inherent in traditional Japanese art. This painting is an exquisite part of Bairei's famous "gafu" or picture album, which consists of various illustrations portraying flora and fauna in a delicate and aesthetically pleasing manner.In this particular artwork, Bairei illustrates a serene natural scene highlighting the fragile and robust beauty of the spider amid lush foliage and intricately depicted flowers. The flowers, likely chrysanthemums, with their detailed petals and leaves, gracefully extend across the frame, setting a contrast against the fine lines used to render the spider, which is poised in the act of descending on a thread of its web. The depiction is not just a mere representation but is laden with symbolism, often associated with perseverance and the passage of time in Japanese culture.The sober color palette emphasizes the interplay of the natural elements, drawing the viewer's attention to the textures and the organic flow of the composition. The accompanying Japanese calligraphy adds a cultured depth, situating the work within its cultural and historical context.