Chrysanthemums

Zenzabyri Kojima was a renowned modern Japanese Western-style painter. In his early years, he studied in France, dedicating himself to integrating Western oil painting techniques with the spirit of traditional Japanese aesthetics. After moving to Kokubunji, Tokyo, in 1936, his art became mature, with his floral subjects being particularly prominent. Chrysanthemums was a representative of Kojima’s production in this period. The composition was presented with a balanced and stable vertical axis, with the chrysanthemums and vase exuding a patterned elegance. He deliberately weakened the contrast of light and shadow, instead emphasizing the rhythm of colors, blending the flat composition of Uukiyo-e with the decorative charm of the Rimpa style. This elevated the flowers from natural objects to reflections of the heart, continuing Japan’s enduring celebration of the beauty of nature.