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Japan Showa (1926 - 1989) paint on paper; Ink on paper H: 37.5 cm L: 63.3 cm |
Detail: Portrait of the artist Kamitsukasa Kaiun was born on February 15th, 1906 in the city of Nara into the highly cultured family of the well-known novellist Kamitsukasa Shoken (1847-1947). During his adolescence, he was an active member of the Nara art scene, together with the writers Naoya Shiga (1883-1971) and Takashi Hata, the painter Kenkichi Sugimoto (1905-2004), and the photographer Irie Taikichi (1905-1992). In 1930, after graduating from Rukoku University, where he studied English literature, he joined the army for one year as a volunteer. He joined the Todai-ji temple as a monk in 1939. Towards the end Pacific War he was re-called and sent to fight in Korea. Upon his return to Nara, he was appointed Director of the Todai-ji School. Later, he became Head of Religious Affairs and Head Priest. In 1972 he was named the 206th Abbot of Todai-ji. Kaiun died from cancer on January 25th, 1975. Calligraphy: Dream (yume) Signed (on the left) and sealed (on the right) both by the artist. Provenance: Hashimoto Collection (1905-1994). Hashimoto was Kaiun's pre-predecessor as abbot (204th) of Todaiji-Temple. Reference: Cf. Exhibtion Catalogue Mitsukoshi Art Gallery, Tokyo 1974: Kamitsukasa Kaiun Ink Traces Exhibition, August 13th-18th, 1974. Condition: Mounting (Hyogu) 134 x 67.5 cm Certificate box (Kanteibako): Hashimoto Detail: Painting with mounting |
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