Triptych of the Seasons: Snow-Clad Pine Bookmark

Sakai Hōitsu (Japanese, 1761–1828)
Triptych of the Seasons: Snow-Clad Pine (detail), early 19th century

The snow-clad pine is a popular symbol of winter in East Asia. Here, Japanese artist Sakai Hoitsu uses bold colors and elegant composition to highlight the essence of this evergreen as it would appear in winter. In the complete Triptych of the Seasons, plum blossoms represent spring and a moon among clouds symbolizes summer and fall.