<b>FOREST</b> / Chiura Obata20th Century$800</em>
ARTIST: Chiura Obata (1885-1975)
TITLE: Forest
MEDIUM: Sumi on paper
DATE: 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 16 x 11 inches
CONDITION: Excellent, minor rust stain on reverse showing through the front
NOTE: Not signed
PROVENANCE: Purchased from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley, CA
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$800.00
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Details
In a relatively simple but charming composition, Obata conjures up a forest. The tree’s relative proximity suggests a relatively dense woodland landscape. The uneven ink wash of the leaves and branches provides a convincing sense of light, suggesting beams finding their way through the trees. This charming composition is as playful as it is psychological. Much like traditional Zenga, this painting is executed with an economy of brushstrokes, where the negative space within the composition births the work.
Connoisseur's Note
Though unsigned, the work is in Obata’s unmistakable hand. This painting was acquired from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley, California. Not unusual, Obata was quite generous with his artwork and often gifted his original work to friends, students, and neighbors.
