Yokoyama Taikan, the Painter of Modern Japan
The artist is one of the founders of ‘nihonga’, a movement that involves the subtle modernisation of traditional painting.
‘Gunjo Fuji’, around 1917, Yokoyama Taikan, Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art
In 2018, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Yokoyama Taikan, the prolific painter, recognised during his lifetime for having subverted norms.
After graduating from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1889, Yokoyama Taikan became involved in the foundation of the Academy of Fine Arts with his mentor, critic Okukara Tenshin.
Colour harmony before all
Together, they contributed to the emergence of nihonga, which literally means ‘Japanese drawing’, a movement that saw the subtle modernisation of traditional painting. Working mainly with ink, Yokoyama Taikan accorded particular significance to pigmentation. Lines fade to make way for colour harmony and the spirituality of the composition.
The house where Yokoyama Taikan lived for a long time, located in the Ueno district of Tokyo, is open to the public. More information on its website.
Important Cultural Property ‘Metempsychosis’ (part), 1923, Yokoyama Taikan, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
‘Yozakura’, 1929, Yokoyama Taikan, Okura Museum of Art
‘Koyo’, 1931, Yokoyama Taikan, Adachi Museum of Art
TRENDING
-
The Artistry of Bondage by Hajime Kinoko
The artist transcends the practice of ‘shibari’ in performances where threads, not bodies, take center stage.
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
JITENSHA, the Bike Blending Japanese Minimalism and French Design
The brand assembles its models by hand in Paris, drawing inspiration from the sleek, light bikes seen in the streets of Japan.
-
The Tradition of the Black Eggs of Mount Hakone
In the volcanic valley of Owakudani, curious looking black eggs with beneficial properties are cooked in the sulphurous waters.
-
Recipe for English Breakfast with ‘Udon’ by TheSocialFood
The indulgence of crispy bacon is paired with the chewiness of Japanese 'udon' noodles in this comforting recipe.
