Golden Lion

Today we start a month with the collection of the Fukuda Art Museum from Kyoto. We hope you will enjoy their marvelous collection; it is jaw-dropping!

Takeuchi Seihō (real name, Tsunekichi), was born in in Kyoto in 1864. He studied at the Shijō school under Tsuchida Eirin and Kōno Bairei. He focused his painting by actively incorporating the expression of Western painting into witty and refined animal paintings and landscapes, which were unique to him. In addition to training many painters, Seihō also led the Kyoto Circle of Painters in and after 1887.

In Golden Lion, we see a mighty lion emerging from the shadow of a rock, ready to spring upon its prey with a mighty roar. Seihō captured the powerful King of Beasts by painting sharp claws extended on the right paw and muscles bulging on the left leg. Traditionally, Japanese artists had painted lions in a style inherited from China, depicting them as karajishi (pairs of stylized gate guardians). After returning from Europe, however, Seihō caused a sensation in the art world in 1901 by portraying a lion realistically.

P.S. This fascinating piece by Takeuchi Seihō is the perfect bridge between traditional Japanese art and modern realism. Are you mesmerized by this powerful lion just like we are? Find more majestic creatures in our Animals in Art 50 Postcards Set and explore the legacy of Japanese masters in our Japanese Art 50 Postcards Set.

P.P.S. Want to dive deeper into the rich heritage of Japanese art? Take our Japanese Art QUIZ and see how well you know all its secrets!