Obata: Landscape with Tree and Hills (Sold)

  • Sold.

Artist: Chiura Obata   (1885-1975)
Title: Landscape with Tree and Hills
Date: October 7, 1946

Painting in sumi of a tree amidst a hilly landscape. Obata utilized a deep black, with a medium grey as an accent to offer depth. This work is dated shortly after the war, when Obata had resumed his teaching schedule at Berkeley. There is a sketch titled “Near San Simeon” that is dated October 6, 1946 and published in the book “Chiura Obata: An American Modern”, number 85, page 117.  So perhaps this is a sketch that Obata made during a field excursion, or it could be a demonstration of an imagined scene for his students to demonstrate technique. Chiura Obata taught at Berkeley between 1932 and 1954, and made many study paintings as demonstration to his students. His economy of line and mastery of the brush are practically unequalled in 20th c. American art. The University of California, Berkeley preserved all of his paintings while Obata and his family were interned in Utah during WWII. Provenance: Estate of Chiura Obata.

Condition:  Excellent condition overall, with a few wrinkles along edges and one corner nibbled. On imported Japanese paper.  
Dimensions:  39.4 x 53 cm
Provenance:  Provenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. WIth a certificate of authenticity from the estate of the artist.
Signature:  Chiura Obata  Sealed: Artist’s seal

SKU: OBA054