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Plum Blossoms

Matsumura Keibun (1779-1843): Explore bird & flower paintings, fusuma doors, & Shijō school style by this key Japanese artist. Discover his manneristic works today!

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Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Plum Blossoms

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Total Price

$ 263

Artwork Description

The blossoming of plum trees in the early spring—a symbol of resilience against winter’s oppressive cold—has long been a favorite subject for ink paintings by East Asian artists. Matsumura Keibun, one of the foremost painters of the Kyoto-based Shijō school, adhered to conventions from Chinese painting manuals for suggesting a sense of depth through the rendering of intertwined tree branches. The variegated grays against an expansive blank background create a boldly graphic composition, while the animated strokes of the new shoots impart dynamism. Keibun was well versed in Ming (1368–1644)- and Qing (1644–1912)-dynasty art theory, and had close ties to sinologists in Kyoto intellectual circles. Among these literati was Rai San’yō, the author and calligrapher of the Chinese poem on the theme of “Plum Blossoms Reflected in Water,” which is brushed on the reverse of this freestanding single screen.

Artist Biography

Matsumura Keibun: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Training

Matsumura Keibun (1779-1843) was a prominent Japanese painter active during the Edo period. Born in Kyoto, Japan, he came from an artistic family. He was the younger half-brother of Matsumura Goshun, who founded the influential Shijō school of painting. Keibun received his initial art education directly from Goshun, laying the foundation for his future style and career.

Artistic Development and Style

Keibun began exhibiting his work as early as 1796, demonstrating a precocious talent. His style closely mirrored that of his half-brother Goshun, but developed a lighter and more manneristic quality over time. While rooted in traditional Japanese painting techniques, Keibun’s approach possessed a distinctive elegance and refinement. He was skilled in various genres, including landscapes, figure paintings, and particularly excelled in kachō-ga (bird-and-flower painting).

Major Achievements and Works

  • Inheritance of Goshun’s Studio: Upon Goshun's death in 1811, Keibun inherited his studio, solidifying his position within the Shijō school.
  • ‘Go Keibun gafu’: In 1829, he published ‘Go Keibun gafu’ (Keibun's art of painting), an illustrated book that significantly contributed to establishing and promoting Goshun’s artistic principles.
  • Gion Matsuri Float Paintings: A notable achievement was his creation of bird paintings on the ceiling of the ‘naginata-hoko’ (long sword halberd) float for the Gion Matsuri festival in 1829. These paintings remain in use today, a testament to their enduring quality.
  • ‘Shiki Kōsaku-zu’: Perhaps his most celebrated work is the set of fusuma (sliding doors) at Myōhō–ji temple, depicting ‘Cultivation in the Four Seasons’. These paintings showcase Keibun’s mastery of composition and detail.

Influences and Historical Significance

Keibun was profoundly influenced by his half-brother, Goshun, whose style he initially emulated. However, he gradually developed a unique artistic voice within the Shijō school tradition. His work reflects the aesthetic preferences of Kyoto during the late Edo period, characterized by elegance and refinement.

Keibun’s contribution lies in his skillful continuation and subtle evolution of the Shijō school style. He helped to solidify Goshun's legacy while adding his own distinctive touch. His paintings are now held in numerous prestigious museums worldwide, including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Seattle Art Museum, demonstrating his lasting impact on Japanese art history.

Later Life and Legacy

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Keibun also served as chief priest at the Myōhō-in temple in Kyoto. He passed away on May 25, 1843, and was initially interred at Daitsū-ji before being moved to Konpuku-ji, a more esteemed Zen temple. His work continues to be admired for its beauty, technical skill, and historical significance.

Matsumura Keibun

Matsumura Keibun

1779 - 1843 , Japan

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: 1779
  • Birth Place: Kyoto, Japan
  • Death Date: 1843-05-25
  • Influenced By: Matsumura Goshun
  • Movement: Shijō school
  • Name: Matsumura Keibun
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Notable Works: Shiki Kōsaku-zu (Four Seasons Cultivation)
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