Gyoshū Hayami

Exhibited by Shibunkaku

Material Color and gold on silk

Dimensions 131 x 42.5 cm

Place of Creation Japan

Price Price available upon inquiry

Status Vetted

About the Work

The flaming red plumed cockscombs stand upright in an imposing manner, imparting an atmosphere of awe. Next to the sharp-edged leaves of plumed cockscombs, the soft green foxtail is gently leaning upon. The whole painting is immersed in an autumnal, clear air. In 1921, Hayami Gyoshū, on the occasion of marriage, left Kyoto where he had lived for three years and a half, relocating to Tokyo for a new life in both public and private. This painting was executed through Gyoshū’s eyes with the elaborate, realistic depiction—an approach mainly used between Taishō and Shōwa periods. Be it flowers, grasses, insects, or even the whole nature, Gyoshū focused his eyes on the inner vitality of life itself.

In Japan, there is a most-liked children’s song titled “Red Dragonfly,” in which the lyrics was written a remembrance of Hyōgo-born lyricist Miki Rofū (1889−1964)’s childhood, and the song was composed by Yamada Kōsaku (1886−1965). The lyrics itself was included in Miki’s children’s books kashi no ki and Shiju shima in 1921, describing an atmosphere of Japan of the time. This painting was executed in about the same time, reflecting a sense of nostalgia which transcends generations. Although the present work is moderate in terms of theme and composition, we are confident to say this masterpiece equals to other highly accomplished works of his own.

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Literature

Works of Hayami Gyoshū. Tokyo: Benridō, 1970.
Hayami Gyoshū. Tokyo: Benridō, 1975.
Hayami Gyoshū: A Complete Work of Art. Vol. 3. Tokyo: Shōgakukan, 1999.