Obata: Painting of Chrysanthemum Bouquet in Round Vase

Artist: Chiura Obata   (1885-1975)
Title: Painting of Chrysanthemum Bouquet in Round Vase Date: ca. 1930s-1940s

Still life with a vibrant explosion of white, yellow and pink chrysanthemums that are arranged in a round, low-formed ceramic vase. Obata must have first touched brush to paper on the creation of the central flowers, which are white, edged with pink; the vase was painted around the edges of the petals and leaves, as were the flowers that are background to this. The rounded vase itself shows perfect balance, shape and weight, and is comprised of a lovely blend of colors. Next to it is a second vase with a triangular green form that may be made of green glass. Perhaps this empty vase is awaiting more flowers to be placed by Obata’s wife Haruko, who was a pioneering master of the art of traditional Japanese flower arranging, or ikebana, which she began teaching in America as early as 1915. In an unusual touch, there is mica in the pigments that give this work a luxurious, glittering luster. It is rare for his watercolors to include mica.

Obata’s mastery of the brush was so complete that he could paint in many different styles, all of them unique to his experience and training. As Obata himself wrote “But if the artist is full of individuality, the product is also full of individuality, and it is a true artwork.” (See page 127 of Chiura Obata: An American Modern). Obata taught at Berkeley between 1932 and 1954, and the University of California, Berkeley preserved many of his paintings while Obata and his family were interned in Utah during WWII.  Provenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Condition: Excellent condition overall. With some minor stains at left edge. Backed with the original backing that was applied to the paper by the artist.

Dimensions: 39.5 x 53 cm
Provenance:  Provenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from the Estate of the artist.
Signature: Chiura Obata  Seal: Artist's seal in red

SKU: OBA165