Nihonga kyoyaki
Kakitsubata, IrisSigned: Seihô
Seals: Kiyomizu
Technique: Grey gohonde Kyoyaki with dripping slip and a black tetsu-e underglaze decoration Ø 22,3 x 9,1
Date: 1919-20
Box: signed
Condition: A stress crack (baking flaw) in the rim, otherwise very good
Seihô was one of the last very important and famous Maruyama-Shijô style painters.
He was an extremely skilful painter, which earned him fame and a lot of pupils. He entered Bairei's studio at the age of 16 and already in the following year he won his first prize at an exhibition, which is a rare for such a young artist.
He eagerly studied all different styles. In 1900 he went to Europe for six months to get acquainted with western painting. On his return he changed the first character "Sei" of his name into a character meaning "West". His two trips to China in 1920 and 1921 meant another enrichment to his painting. His flexibility in styles and the flamboyantly virtuoso way he handled his brush meant in the eyes of some critics that his craftsmanship reduced his artistic abilities.
Reference:
Next to a number of monographs in any general book on modern Japanese painting:
Harada 1981
Roberts p. 171
Araki p. 1633
Berry & Morioka ‘99 pp. 130-137
Conant pp. 322-323
Rokubei IV (Shôrin) was the first son of Rokubei III (Shôun). He studied painting with Shiokawa Bunrin (1801-1877). After his father’s death he inherited the family title in 1883. He was a close friend of Tomioka Tessai (1836-1924) and of Kôno Bairei (1844-1895). He was a great promoter of Kyôyaki and already in 1884 he established the Ceramics Commercial and Industrial Association. He actively studied design and participated in the Yûtôen, organized by Asai Chû (1856-1907) and in the Kabikai, presided over by Sekka.
In 1913 he retired due to poor health, transferring the title of the family to his second son Kuritarô, who became Rokubei V (Shôrei) (1875-1959). He then took the artist’s name Rokkyo. The style of Rokubei IV is quiet and elegant, reflecting his own refined character. His works are considered the best among all the works of the succeeding Rokubei generations.
Price: ON REQUEST
