Week 1
Discussion
Amur Adonis
About Amur Adonis (Adonis amurensis)
Adonis plants are perennial flowering plants in the crowroot family. There are between 20 to 30 species of adonis plants. Most have yellow or orange blossoms with 5 to 30 petals. Adonis annua, also known as pheasant's eye, has bright red blossoms.
Adonis annua
This week's painting subject, amur adonis, has yellow blossoms and is native to east Asia, including Japan. Buds appear and begin to open up before foliage unfurls.
It is among the first flowering plants to appear in winter through early spring, not uncommonly pushing through lingering snow.
Blossoms are from 1 to 2 inches across.
The plant grows to about a foot tall and roughly as wide.
Mountain meadows are favorite areas for amur adonis to spread.
Amur adonis roots promote heart heath, and the entire plant is an effective diuretic and tranquilizer.
The plant symbolizes happiness and longevity.
Artwork
Totoya Hokkei (1780 – 1850)
Hokkei initially studied in the Kanō school, but later became one of Hokusai's earliest and best known students, producing ukiyo-e prints in a variety of styles and genres. Titled Totoya--Fukujuso Tosa Shiori, the print below was produced about 1830.
