Still Life

Various flowers such as red and white camellia, calendula, asphodel, white plum, and sarcandra, are being put into a vase decorated with a dragonfly pattern. Realism is achieved through the use of bright colors and dynamic brushstrokes. In this composition all of the flowers can be seen. This is characteristic of Dutch flower paintings of the 17th century. The un-painted areas have similarities with French impressionist works of that time. This work illustrates how Shiho tried to be aware of Western painting style. He also was influenced by flower and bird paintings during the Yuan, and Sung, dynasties of China. This can be seen through his portrayal of the flowers, branches, and leaves. Shiho put great emphasis on the spirit inherent in Chinese paintings and he seems to have tried to express that spirit in this painting.