One Hundred Newly Selected Designs by Kōrin - Ogata Kōrin

A woodblock print from the 1826 collection of designs by Ogata Kōrin, featuring minimalist botanical motifs and a figure study.

This woodblock print originates from the collection titled One Hundred Newly Selected Designs by Kōrin (Kōrin shinsen hyakuzu), published in 1826. The work draws upon the aesthetic principles of the Rinpa school, a movement associated with Ogata Kōrin, who was a central figure in the decorative arts of the Edo period. The Rinpa style is characterised by a focus on bold, simplified forms and a clear, graphic approach to composition.

The image displays two distinct panels. On the left, a minimalist botanical study features stylised, curving stems that terminate in simple, circular forms. This reduction of natural elements to their essential lines is a hallmark of the Rinpa aesthetic, which often prioritised decorative clarity over realistic detail. The right panel depicts a figure carrying a large, textured bundle on their back, rendered with economical brushwork. The figure is framed within a geometric box, a common device in these design manuals to suggest a template for textile patterns or lacquerware decoration.

These prints were intended as reference material for artisans and craftsmen. By providing a catalogue of motifs, the publication allowed for the dissemination of Kōrin's visual vocabulary across various media. The lines are thin and precise, reflecting the technical skill required for woodblock carving. The composition is flat, avoiding the use of perspective to maintain the integrity of the design as a pattern. This print offers a view into the historical intersection of fine art and commercial design in Japan, where the boundaries between painting and applied arts were fluid. The work remains a clear example of the graphic economy that defined the Rinpa school, focusing on the balance between negative space and the subject matter.