Japan art and Toshikata Mizuno: Springtime and joy
Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
![](https://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Toshikata-Mizuno-spring-time.jpg)
Toshikata Mizuno (1866-1908) was born in the final years of the Edo Period. However, he died before the start of the Taisho Period (1912-1926). Therefore, his short artistic life belongs to the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
In the art piece above, two people are enjoying the outdoors. The attire highlights a mild day where joy and freedom abound. It is a delightful art piece.
![](https://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Toshikata-Mizuno-japan-art-outdoor-sketch.jpg)
Above is a lady enjoying the mild climate outside. One can imagine the birds singing, the serenity of silence, while the lady sketches with a feeling of utter contentment.
Mizuno was known for his bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful women) art. Paradoxically, he also did art that focused on Japan’s military campaigns during the Meiji Period.
![](https://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Toshikata-mizuno-japan-art-spring-outing.jpg)
In the last art piece, Mizuno focuses on fusing the joy of spring and highlighting stunning fashion. Both individuals – the child and the presumed parent – dress elegantly. Therefore, the spring outing was a day of refinement, joy, and freedom.
![](http://moderntokyotimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mtt.png)
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