Flowering Plum, hanging scroll, Japanese art

Sakai Hoitsu (1761–1829) was a Japanese painter and poet of the Edo period. He was born into a wealthy merchant family in Edo (now Tokyo) and was trained in the Kanō school of painting. However, he later became interested in the Rimpa school, which emphasised decorative and colourful designs inspired by nature. Hoitsu is best known for his paintings of flowers, birds and landscapes, which are characterised by bold colours, simplified forms and the use of gold leaf. He also created a number of illustrated books and albums, including "One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each" (Hyakunin Isshu), which combined his paintings with classical Japanese poetry. In addition to his artistic activities, Hoitsu was also a prominent figure in the cultural scene of Edo. He was a member of several literary circles and was known for his poetry and calligraphy. He also helped to revive interest in the tea ceremony and was a skilled practitioner of the art. Hoitsu's work had a significant influence on later Japanese art movements, especially the Nihonga style of the Meiji period. Today, his paintings are held in collections around the world, including the National Museum in Tokyo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.