Kiyoshi Kobayakawa (1899-1948)

Kiyoshi Kobayakawa, born in 1899 in Hakata, Fukuoka, emerged as a significant figure in the shin hanga movement, known for his captivating portrayals of modern Japanese women. A contemporary of Hasui Kawase and Ito Shinsui, Kobayakawa trained under Kaburagi Kiyokata, a master of Japanese-style painting. His artistic journey began in earnest during the 1920s and 1930s, displaying his works at prestigious exhibitions such as the Taiten, Kyodokai, and Seikokai. Kobayakawa's entry into printmaking was marked by his contribution to the "Complete Collection of Chikamatsu" in 1923, which showcased his keen eye for blending traditional and modern aesthetics in woodblock prints.

Kobayakawa's defining work came in the early 1930s with his "Modern Trendy Styles" series, capturing the essence of contemporary femininity with images of women in Western attire engaging in then-taboo activities like drinking and smoking. This series, particularly the print "Tipsy," stirred public and critical attention for its bold departure from traditional representations of Japanese women. His works, a total of thirteen prints, gained international recognition when twelve were exhibited at the Toledo Exhibition in 1936. Kobayakawa's innovative approach to the bijin-ga genre not only won him accolades, such as the special rank of Tokusen for his print "Geisha Ichimaru," but also ensured his legacy in the annals of Japanese art, with some of his woodblocks being reprinted posthumously, continuing to resonate with art enthusiasts and collectors alike until his death in 1948.

Portrait of the artist Kiyoshi Kobayakawa