Kitagawa Sōsetsu

Kitagawa Sōsetsu was an artist whose documented activity spans a short, specific period between 1634 and 1640. While details regarding his artistic lineage or school affiliation are often inferred through stylistic comparison, the verifiable facts center on a small but historically significant output of floral studies.

Seven Kitagawa Sōsetsu paintings are tracked across institutional collections, emphasizing botanical subjects. These works include detailed compositions titled Poppies and Chrysanthemums, as well as multiple examples labeled Flowers and Grasses. This focus on natural elements underscores the prevailing artistic interests of the period.

The historical significance of Sōsetsu’s surviving works is confirmed by their inclusion in major institutions. These holdings currently reside in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art, establishing the museum-quality nature of his surviving pieces. Due to the scarcity of the originals, these important historical works are often disseminated as high-quality prints, making the material accessible for study and exhibition. Much of this historical material is now considered part of the public domain, preserving the legacy of artists active in the early Edo period.