Sunrise over the Eastern Sea

Fujishima Takeji was a Japanese painter, famous for his work in developing Romanticism and Impressionism within the yōga (Western-style) art movement in late 19th- and early 20th-century Japanese painting. In his later years, he was also influenced by the Art Nouveau movement.

In 1928, Fujishima was commissioned to create an oil painting for the Shōwa Emperor's study. He chose "sunrise" as the theme, celebrating the emperor's accession. To capture the perfect sunrise, Fujishima traveled extensively, from Zao in northern Honshu to the then-Japanese colony of Taiwan in the south. He sought sunrises over the sea and mountain massifs, spending a decade exploring this theme. 

During this period, Fujishima produced numerous sunrise masterpieces, including one painted in 1932. This particular piece, apart from featuring a sailboat, consists solely of the sea and sky. The composition is characterized by simple, clear color planes, epitomizing the simplicity that was Fujishima's goal. 

Lovely isn't it?

P.S. Do you know that you can find postcard sets with the most captivating sea depictions as well as with the greatest Japanese artworks in our DailyArt shop?  :) 

P.P.S. Still thinking about where to go this summer? Let art inspire you! Here are 7 summer destinations inspired by art.