[1] Depicting bamboo at different stages of growth throughout the seasons, the piece presents a transitory state, both of the plant, the seasons, as well as that of the evolution of the Tosa school and Muromachi period styles, which adapted the bamboo motif from previous Chinese paintings.

[5] The prominence of an independent style in Japan grew more prominent after the Heian period, with the emergence of Yamato-e, of which the Tosa school became renowned for, while maintaining infusion of ideas from China, a style known as kara-e.[6] Bamboo in the Four Seasons is seen as an early-stage work by the Tosa School.

[2] Japanese influences on Bamboo in the Four Seasons, depicts the transitory state of bamboo growth, from shoots to mature plant in the same space, from spring to winter, seen from right to left, the gold leaf backdrop conveying the concept of space.

Observation and study would give way and influence towards Rinpa style, with prominent artists including Tawaraya Sōtatsu.

[2] Owned previously by Yabumoto Shōgorō of Osaka, Bamboo in the Four Seasons would be acquired by art collector Harry G.C.