Posts in Category: Japanese

Kuroda Seiki

On July 7, 2026 - 19th Century, 20th Century, august 9, Japanese

Kuroda Seiki, August 9, 1866 – July 15, 1924, was a Japanese painter and one of the founders of modern Western-style (yōga) painting in Japan. Born in Kagoshima, he studied law before turning to art, training for nearly a decade in Paris under the academic painter Raphaël Collin.

After returning to Japan in 1893, Kuroda introduced plein-air painting, Impressionist influences, and modern European techniques to Japanese audiences. He taught at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, helped establish the White Horse Society (Hakubakai), and played a central role in the development of Japanese oil painting during the Meiji period.

Kuroda’s paintings include portraits, landscapes, figure studies, interiors, and floral subjects. He later served as director of the Imperial Art Academy and was named to the House of Peers. Today his works are held by the Tokyo National Museum, the Kuroda Memorial Hall, and major museums throughout Japan.

Kawanabe Kyōsai

On May 19, 2026 - 19th Century, Japanese, may 18

Kawanabe Kyōsai, Japanese painter, May 18, 1831 - April 26, 1889

Shibata Zeshin

On March 14, 2025 - 19th Century, Japanese, march 15

Shibata Zeshin, Japanese painter, March 15, 1807 – July 13, 1891

Akira Yoshizawa

On March 14, 2025 - 20th Century, Japanese, march 14

Akira Yoshizawa, Japanese origamist, 14 March 1911 – 14 March 2005