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Tsuji Kakô (1870-1931)
Nihonga
Emeishan getsu zu (Ensô), Moon at Emeishan Mountain.
Signed: Kakô
Seals: Kakô
Technique: sumi on paper 35,9 x 49,2
Mounting: green damask and beige silk 136 x 61,5
Condition: toned and soiled and water stains at the left top of the mounting, otherwise good

Kakô was one the most important painters of the modern Kyoto school.
Kôno Bairei (1844-1895) taught both him and Takeuchi Seihô (1864-1942), who eclipsed Kakô during his lifetime. In my opinion though, Kakô was the better artist, more innovative and daring. The tide is turning now and his art is getting the recognition it deserves.

Kakô was born in Kyoto. His father was a Yûzen textile artisan, who encouraged his son to pursue a career in painting. In 1880 Kakô became a pupil of Kôno Bairei (1844-1895). From 1899 onwards he studied Zen meditation at the Kennin-ji under the Zen master Sôen Mokurai (1854-1930). Zen became quite an important element in his work. He served as director of the Kyoto Municipal School of Fine Arts and Crafts, was a member of the jury for the Teiten and several Kyoto exhibition groups, and up to 1920 was a frequent exhibitor and prizewinner at the Bunten.

Reference:
Kyoto 2006
Berry & Morioka ‘99 p.40-53 (# 29-45)
Conant p. 327 (# 117-119)
Aburai p. 253-254
Roberts p.189
Araki p. 2027

Price: ON REQUEST