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Hokuto Tamamura
'The Spirit of the Wine' — Japanese Legend from the Famed Chikamatsu Series

1923-26

About the Item

Hokuto Tamamura (1893-1951), 'The Spirit of the Wine' (Shuten Dōji) - from Dai Chikamatsu Zenshu (The Complete Works of Chikamatsu)', color woodblock, 1923-26. Signed 'Hokuto'. A fine impression, with fresh colors, metallic gold pigments, and embossing, in very good condition. Archivallly sleeved, unmatted. Image size 15 x 10 1/2 inches (381 x 267 mm); sheet size 18 x 11 1/8 inches (457 x 283 mm). Collections: The Lavenberg Collection of Japanese Prints ABOUT THE IMAGE A dramatic design inspired by the legendary tale of the Demon of Oeyama, the horrible Shuten Doji, who kidnapped young beauties and held them hostage in his lair on Mt. Oe near Kyoto. The great warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko) and his men traveled to the demon's hideout to kill him. After lulling him into a drunken stupor with plenty of wine, Raiko cut off the monster's head with his sword, but the head took on a life of its own. The artist depicts the horned demon head flying through the air, spurting blood and trailing smoke as the warrior stands at right, still gripping his weapon. The frightened beauties cower below, hiding under their kimonos. A favored print from the Chikamatsu series, detailed with subtle gold mica on the demon's horns, hair, and areas of the kimono on the right. ABOUT THE SERIES Published between 1922 and 1926, "The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon" illustrates the works of the famous playwright Chikamatsu Manzaemon (1653 - 1725), considered one of Japan's greatest dramatists. He authored over 100 plays, mainly for the Bunraku puppet theater, including historical romances and domestic tragedies, often based on actual events. Many of these famous tales were adapted for kabuki theater and are still performed today. This renowned series consists of 18 prints by leading artists of the Taisho era, including two important female painters, Shima Seien (1892-1970) and Uemura Shoen (1875-1949). From mysterious ghosts and poignant beauties to fierce deities and heroic warriors, each print illustrates one of Chikamatsu's most memorable characters. Exquisitely carved by Yamagishi Kazue and expertly printed by Nishimura Kumakichi, many include deluxe printing techniques such as embossing, metallic flecks, mica, and hand-applied gofun pigment. ABOUT THE ARTIST Hokuto Tamamura (Zennosuke; 1893–1951) was born in the central ward of Kyoto. He graduated from the Painting Department of the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts in 1911 and went on to study under Kikuchi Hōbun at the Kyoto Municipal Fine Arts College. Upon graduating in 1915, he founded Mitsuritsu-kai, an association for studying and exhibiting nihonga (Japanese-style painting), with his colleagues from the two schools, including OKAMOTO Shinsō, KAINOSHŌ Tadaoto, and IRIE Hakō. He also submitted Inariyama, Kyōgokokuji, and Kiyomizudō to the 2nd Saikō Inten (Reorganized Japan Fine Arts Academy Exhibition), where his work was accepted for the first time. In 1916, he relocated to Tokyo to study at the Academy. In 1918, he submitted Ugetsu Monogatari (Tales of Moonlight and Rain) to the 5th Saikō Inten, where he won an award and was nominated to associate member of the Academy. Having made his mark in the Japanese art world, he became disenchanted with conventional nihonga and left the Academy after submitting one last work to the 6th Saikō Inten. Tamamura then dedicated his efforts to avant-garde movements, including “Daiichi Sakka Dōmei (D.S.D.),” “Sanka,” and “Tan’i Sanka (Unit Sanka).” During this period, he created avant-garde three-dimensional works and was among the founders of avant-garde magazines such as Epoch and GE.GJMGJGAM.PRRR.GJMGEM (G.G.P.G.) and participated in a wide range of artistic activities, including prolific printmaking. He mounted solo exhibitions, presenting a revolutionary interpretation of nihonga, revealing his uniquely grotesque and humorous style. In 1930, Tamamura founded Hokuto-sha, an association promoting a new conception of nihonga with like-minded artists. He advocated nihonga that portrayed moments in everyday life that conveyed personal sentiments, exemplified by such works as 'Holiday', which portrays a father and son playing catch. Tamamura was the subject of a one-person exhibit of over 140 works at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, in 2008; 'TAMAMURA Hokuto: Revolutionary of the Japanese-Style Painting.'
  • Creator:
    Hokuto Tamamura (1893 - 1951, Japanese)
  • Creation Year:
    1923-26
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 981831stDibs: LU532311018432

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