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The work of Matsumura Baiso
(1884-1935). He was a student of Imao Keinen and graduated from the
Kyoto Municipal Special School of Painting. He was a member of the
Free Painting Group of Japan. He exhibited with the Bunten (the
most prestigious national exhibition in Japan - began in 1907 and
still runs annually) on seven occassions, Bunten 3 through 9
(1909-1915). He specialized in paintings of beautiful ladies, birds
and flowers. A number of his exhibition pieces capture early 20th
century scenes of Okinawa.
Apparently the artist had a great affinity with the exotic
islands.
The mother and child's
traditional attire reflects the strong influence of Chinese culture
on the Okinawan people. An idyllic late summer scene. Having
historically been a separate nation, Okinawan language and culture
differ considerably from that of mainland Japan.
The islands that comprise Okinawa were formerly known as the Ryukyu
Kingdom. The kingdom traditionally maintained relationships with
both China and the Kyushu region of Japan, and through these
balancing relationships was able to preserve its independence.
Okinawa came under the control of Japan shortly after the Meiji
restoration in 1872.
detail -
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