Treasure - Jakuchu’s Four Seasons

This Maru-obi is intricately woven with motifs derived from Itō Jakuchū's magnum opus "The Kacho-e (Flowers and Birds)", which embodies the essence of Japan’s four seasons. Anyone who admires Jakuchu's work will be moved by this beautiful piece, capturing his delicate yet keen sensitivity to the ever-changing nature of Japan.

The design employs gold and silver leaf yarns for the warp, setting a backdrop of opulent gold and silver against which seasonal motifs are masterfully rendered. The composition features a plum tree and white-eye from "Plum Blossoms and Small Birds", an old pine tree accompanied by chrysanthemums from "Old Pine Tree and Peacock", a captivating arrangement of butterflies flitting over peonies from "Peonies and Butterflies", and affectionate mandarin ducks amidst vivid snow from "Mandarin Ducks in Snow".

Jakuchū’s exquisite brushwork and vibrant color palette are meticulously captured through the sophisticated artistry of Nishijin weaving, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetic principles and intricate craftsmanship.