Kyosai: The Israel Goldman Collection

Kawanabe Kyōsai was a Japanese artist known for his dynamic, playful, and provocative calligraphy and painting parties. He delighted his audience with spontaneous and speedy paintings of demons, skeletons, deities, and Buddhist saints, often satirical. His most charming and inventive works are his brilliant depictions of animals, which humorously play the roles of protagonists of modern life. Sadamura Koto explores his important place in Japanese art in this catalogue of the Israel Goldman Collection.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2022
Publisher: Royal Academy of Arts & Science

Kawanabe Kyōsai, a renowned Japanese artist who lived from 1831 to 1889, gained fame for his captivating impromptu performances during calligraphy and painting parties. His artistic style was characterized by its dynamic, playful, and provocative nature, leaving his audience in awe. Kyōsai's artistic prowess was evident in his spontaneous and rapid paintings, which depicted a wide range of subjects, including demons, skeletons, deities, and Buddhist saints. What made his works even more intriguing was their often satirical nature, reflecting the political and cultural changes that were taking place in Japan during his time.

One of Kyōsai's most remarkable contributions to art was his brilliant portrayal of animals. In his paintings, these creatures took on human-like roles and humorously portrayed the challenges and experiences of modern life. Kyōsai's ability to capture the essence of animals in his works was truly remarkable, and his paintings often served as a commentary on the human condition.

Sadamura Koto, a leading authority on Kyōsai, has done an extensive exploration of the artist's important place in Japanese art in this comprehensive catalogue of the Israel Goldman Collection. The collection houses a vast array of Kyōsai's works, including paintings, sketches, and prints, providing a deep insight into his artistic journey. Through his paintings, Kyōsai not only entertained his audience but also left a lasting impact on Japanese art, inspiring generations of artists to come.

In conclusion, Kawanabe Kyōsai was a true master of Japanese art, whose dynamic and playful style captured the hearts of his audience. His spontaneous and rapid paintings, which depicted a wide range of subjects, including demons, skeletons, deities, and Buddhist saints, were not only entertaining but also satirical and reflective of the political and cultural changes that were taking place in Japan during his time. Kyōsai's brilliant portrayal of animals in his works added a unique dimension to his art, and his influence can still be seen in the works of contemporary artists. The Israel Goldman Collection's extensive holdings of Kyōsai's works provide a valuable insight into the artist's life and career, and his legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.

Weight: 1374g
Dimension: 258 x 308 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912520749