Bush Warbler in a plum tree and autumn grasses and full moon.Sakai Hoitsu (1761-1828)Early 19th century, Japan, Edo period.Pair of hanging scrolls, ink and pigment on silk.Signed: Hoitsu hitsuSeals:Upper - BunsenLower - HoitsuDimensions (each scroll): H. 77” x W. 21.5” (195cm x 54cm)Both bush warblers and plum blossoms are considered symbols of the arrival of spring, poems about which appear as early as Japan’s oldest extant collection of poetry, the Man’yoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), dating from the mid-eighth century. The full moon is considered particularly beautiful in mid-autumn, and there has been a long held appreciation of its aesthetics in Japan. Many works of art and literature grew out of admiration for the moon.Sakai Hoitsu had a privileged upbringing which provided him the opportunity to study Noh drama, haiku poetry, tea-ceremony, music and painting. As wasmon during the Edo period, Hoitsu began his study of painting with the officially sanctioned Kano school later receiving influence from and instruction in the contemporary Ukiyo-e, Maruyama-Shijo and Nagasaki styles. Taking tonsure as a monk in 1797 Hoitsu freed himself of his significant familial obligations and immersed himself in the study of the life and art of Ogata Korin (1658-1716). His attraction to Korin was inspired by the fact that a century earlier Hoitsu’s family had been among Korin’s chief patrons, and numerous masterpieces by Korin were preserved in their collection. In 1815, 100 years after Korin’s death, Hoitsu published Korin Hyakuzu (One Hundred Paintings by Korin), woodblock print s of paintings by the master. Besides honoring Korin in this way, he clearly traced the lineage of what woulde to be known in a later age as the Rinpa school. Hoitsu, while taking Korin’s works as his model, went on to create highly affecting works reflective of the tastes of his day. In 1972 an exhibition entitled ‘Rinpa’ was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tokyo National Museum.menting on that exhibition the acclaimed scholar James Cahill states “The world of Rinpa is not far from our everyday life. It simply transforms the everydayness into a thoroughly beautiful image. Of all the arts in the world, if one were to cite a decorative style that transcends the ‘simply decorative’ limit, it would be Rinpa. The delicacy, boldness, and impressiveness of Rinpa is a perfect match for works of religious or humanistic content demonstrating highly refined artistry.”In 2008 the Tokyo National Museum held an exhibition titled ‘Treasures by Rinpa Masters - Inheritance and Innovation’ in which many works by Hoitsu were featured. In 2011 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Hoitsu’s birth a broad and scholarly exhibition titled ‘Sakai Hoitsu and Edo Rinpa’ was held at the Himeji City Museum of Art and the Chiba City Museum of Art. In 2012 the Japan Society held the exhibition ‘Silver Wind: the Arts of Sakai Hoitsu’ in New York. The exhibited wor