Begonia (Shukaidô), from the series Beauties Matched with Flowers (Bijin hana kurabe)
by Ogata Gekko
- Series:
- Beauties Matched with Flowers
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Museum of Fine Arts Boston
- Image courtesy of
- Museum of Fine Arts Boston
by Ogata Gekko
From Gekko's series Beauties Matched with Flowers (Bijin hana kurabe), this print pairs a female figure with the begonia (shukaidō). The series format gave Gekko a systematic framework for exploring seasonal flowers alongside bijin subjects, and the begonia — with its drooping pink blossoms and asymmetrical leaves — evokes a slightly melancholic, autumnal mood suited to contemplative figure compositions. The woman is likely shown in quiet repose or gentle movement, her kimono pattern and posture coordinated with the flower's color and form in the careful manner typical of Gekko's bijin work. Multi-block printing would have been required to achieve the tonal range across skin tones, garment patterns, and botanical elements. The series title reflects a long bijin-plus-flower tradition in [ukiyo-e](/glossary/ukiyo-e) going back to Harunobu and Utamaro.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Begonia (Shukaidô), from the series Beauties Matched with Flowers (Bijin hana kurabe) was created by Ogata Gekko (尾形月耕).
Yes — Begonia (Shukaidô), from the series Beauties Matched with Flowers (Bijin hana kurabe) is part of the Beauties Matched with Flowers series by Ogata Gekko.
Begonia (Shukaidô), from the series Beauties Matched with Flowers (Bijin hana kurabe) depicts bijin-ga.
