Poppies

Although YAMAGUCHI Hōshun explored a traditional style of Japanese painting in the early stages of his career, he later incorporated Western painting techniques and produced a number of works that combined traditional and modern elements. In this piece, poppies and flower buds are beautifully laid out in front of a backdrop of gold. There is a contemporary feel to the image that is not bound by the framework of a traditional Japanese painting. Incidentally his friend, architect YOSHIDA Isoya, who designed the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C., also designed the atelier in Yamaguchi’s home. Currently the atelier is open to the public as part of the Yamaguchi Hōshun Memorial Hall in the town of Hayama, Japan.