Paulownias and Chrysanthemums, early 1800s. Sakai Hōitsu (Japanese, 1761-1828). Two-panel folding screen; ink and color on gilded paper; image: 152.7 x 154.9 cm (60 1/8 x 61 in.); overall: 157.5 x 158.5 cm (62 x 62 3/8 in.). In this screen, Sakai Hitsu expertly deployed a painting technique called “dripping-in” (tarashikomi). Ink and color dripped on the surface, and allowed to pool there, created the illusionistic effect of lichen-dotted tree bark and twisted chrysanthemum leaves. Paulownia and chrysanthemum are signifiers of late spring and early autumn as well as emblems of the Japanese imperial house. Paulownia also has medicinal properties and associations with fortitude, while chrysanthemum symbolizes good government.