Nakamura Tsune

Place: Mito City

Born: 1887

Death: 1924

Biography:

Early Life and Struggles

Nakamura Tsune

, a Japanese artist, was born in 1887 in what is now Mito City, into a family that had served as samurai in the Mito domain. His life was marked by early hardships; his father passed away when he was just one year old, and his mother when he was eleven. This tumultuous start did not deter him from pursuing his dreams.

Artistic Aspirations

After graduating from the Nagoya Army Cadet School in 1904, Nakamura Tsune's plans for a military career were cut short due to tuberculosis. During his recuperation, he discovered his passion for painting. In 1906, he joined the Research Institute of the White Horse Society, furthering his artistic skills.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

- Cloudy Morning and Cliffs, now in the Museum of the Imperial Collections, were featured in the Third Bunten Exhibition in 1909, with Cliffs receiving a commendation. - Girl won a prize at the Eighth Bunten Exhibition in 1914.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1913, Sōma Toshiko, daughter of Aizō and Kokkō, became his model. However, his proposal to her was met with opposition from her parents in 1915. Nakamura Tsune continued to paint, showcasing works like Dr. Tanakadate and Nude at the Eleventh Bunten Exhibition in 1916.

Legacy and Passing

Nakamura Tsune

's life was marked by challenges, yet his artistic legacy endures. He passed away in 1924 at the age of 37 in his studio in Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku. His remains were interred at Gion-ji (祇園寺) in Mito the following year.