Picture Album by Ōson (Hōitsu) (Ōson fuga)

Art Historical Context

Sakai Hōitsu’s *Picture Album by Ōson* (Ōson fuga), dated 1817, is a refined woodblock-printed book that captures the elegance of late Edo-period Japan. Created during the vibrant cultural flowering of the Edo era (1615–1868), the album reflects a time when printed books became an important vehicle for sharing artistic styles with a broader audience. Measuring roughly 10 7/8 by 7 3/8 inches, the volume features delicate ink and color illustrations on paper, showcasing Hōitsu’s graceful approach to composition and natural motifs. Hōitsu, who signed works under the name Ōson, was a painter and scholar who helped revive interest in earlier decorative traditions. By publishing this album, he made his designs accessible beyond the circles of elite patrons, blending painterly sensitivity with the precision of woodblock technique. The result is both an intimate viewing experience and a lasting record of artistic sensibility. Today, this Met acquisition highlights the enduring appeal of Japanese illustrated books as works of art in their own right. Its quiet beauty invites viewers to appreciate the harmony between image, text, and craftsmanship that defined Edo-period aesthetics.

About the Artist

Sakai Hōitsu 酒井抱一 (Japanese) · 1761 –1828

Japanese, 1761–1828