Matsutani Shōun

Place: Kōchi

Born: 1870

Death: 1965

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, also known as Yamamoto Shōun, was a renowned Japanese print designer, painter, and illustrator born on December 30, 1870, in Kōchi, Japan. He was given the name Mosaburō, and his family were retainers of the shōgun. As a teenager, Matsutani Shōun studied Kanō-school painting with Yanagimoto Doso and Kawada Shoryu. At about age 17, he moved to Tokyo, where he continued his artistic training under the guidance of Taki Katei, specializing in Nanga painting.

Career Highlights

* At 20 years of age, Matsutani Shōun was employed as an illustrator for Fugoku gaho, a pictorial magazine focusing on the sights in and around Tokyo. * In his latter career, Matsutani Shōun primarily produced paintings, showcasing his versatility as an artist. * He died in 1965 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy in Japanese art.

Notable Works and Contributions

* Matsutani Shōun is best known for his woodblock prints of beautiful women and humorous shikishiban (prints about 7 by 8 inches). * His career spans the Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa periods, making him a bridge between ukiyo-e and shin-hanga. * Matsutani Shōun signed most of his works with a small compact signature reading Shōun.

Legacy and Availability of His Works

* Until 2003, collectors mainly knew Matsutani Shōun through his series "Fashions of Today – Ima Sugata." * The art collector and dealer Robert O. Muller's collection, which included thousands of shin-hanga prints, was bequeathed to the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in 2003. * A representative part of Muller's collection is available at [https://Wikioo.org/@@/A@D3AR2V](The Museum of Fine Arts (Gifu, Japan) and its Collection), offering a glimpse into Matsutani Shōun's lesser-known works.

• View Matsutani Shōun's artworks at [https://Wikioo.org/@/Matsutani-Shoun](Matsutani Shōun | 9 Artworks)
• Explore the collection at [https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3BEKD](Shimane Art Museum (Japan) - A Hidden Gem for Art Enthusiasts)
• Learn more about Japanese art and culture at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamamoto_Sh%C5%8Dun](Yamamoto Shōun - Wikipedia)