Obata: Painting of a Japanese Garden (Sold)
Artist: Chiura Obata
Title: Painting of a Japanese Garden
Date: April 18th, 1934
Sumi-e painting of a formal Japanese garden. We see a portion of the curved bridge and a waterfall as well as a stone lantern and blooming irises. The features all contribute to a formal (and expensive) Japanese garden. Like the garden itself, Obata has captured both the individual elements as well as the synergetic whole of the scene. As Obata was living in California at the time, it is probably from a garden in the Northern California area. It is possible that this work was made as a demonstration for a plein-air class he was teaching, and it is also possible that it was made simply for himself. Obata painted and drew prodigiously to keep his skills sharp; probably every day. His family has kept the majority of his output through the decades. 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: Purchased directly from a grandchild of Chiura Obata.
Condition: Very good condition. Two small discolorations, otherwise very clean.
Seal: Dated by the artist
Signature: Chiura Obata
SKU: OBA048