Tsubaki Chinzan (椿椿山)

Tsubaki Chinzan (椿椿山) was an artist whose active period spanned the early to mid-nineteenth century, documented primarily between 1820 and 1845. Known for refined studies of flora and fauna, the surviving works represented in major museum collections highlight his technical proficiency in painting and drawing media.

The artist’s historical significance is affirmed by the inclusion of Tsubaki Chinzan (椿椿山) paintings and drawings in the collections of prominent institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Currently, records verify fourteen works held across these collections, comprising ten paintings, three drawings, and one other unique work.

Representative examples of his output often focus on natural subjects, such as the paintings Banana Plant and Chrysanthemum, Pine Tree and Fungus, and the multi-part compositions Flowers and Grasses and Painting from Flowers and Grasses. The diverse subject matter also includes works like Hawk Grasping a Small Bird.

The enduring quality of Tsubaki Chinzan (椿椿山) prints derived from these historical pieces ensures their continuing accessibility. Many of these museum-quality artworks are now in the public domain. High-quality prints and downloadable artwork allow contemporary viewers to study the works originally created during his quarter-century of activity.