Japanese Art Over the Centuries
Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
The acclaimed artist Sakai Hōitsu (1761–1829), a prominent figure of the Edo Period, infused his work with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Later in life, he became a Buddhist monk, and this spiritual transformation deeply influenced his art. Through his depictions of the four seasons, Hōitsu not only celebrated the natural world but also reflected Buddhist principles, ultimately magnifying the radiant beauty of life—like the rising sun—through the lens of both his faith and cultural heritage.
The Japanese artist Yorozu Tetsugoro was born in 1885 and tragically passed away from tuberculosis in 1927, following severe complications from pneumonia. Like many artists of his time, he died young—a fate that also befell this brilliant talent from Iwate.
Yet, despite his short life, Yorozu Tetsugoro left behind a powerful legacy, defined by his remarkable artistic skill. Art became a central part of Yorozu’s life from an early age. He was particularly inspired after reading Suisaiga no Shiori (A Guide to Watercolors) by Oshita Tojiro. This book ignited a deep passion in him, leading him to pursue painting with great intensity and dedication.
The contemporary artist Sawako Utsumi, born in the serene landscapes of northern Japan, finds equal solace in solitude and in the quiet dialogue of brush and canvas. Though she pays homage to the Edo master Sakai Hōitsu—as seen in the piece above—her spiritual compass leans toward Shintoism, even as she often walks the tranquil paths of Buddhist temples.
Reflecting this divergence, Sawako Utsumi gently reimagines Sakai Hōitsu’s vision: she reshapes the color palette with a playful elegance and deliberately omits the bird, offering a subtle yet profound departure from the original, echoing both reverence and reinvention.
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-persimmon-tree-and-the-reflection-of-time-sawako-utsumi.html
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.
Modern Tokyo News is part of the Modern Tokyo Times group
http://moderntokyotimes.com Modern Tokyo Times – International News and Japan News
http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi and her website – Modern Tokyo Times artist
https://moderntokyonews.com Modern Tokyo News – Tokyo News and International News
PLEASE JOIN ON TWITTER
https://twitter.com/MTT_News Modern Tokyo Times
PLEASE JOIN ON FACEBOOK