Oil on canvas

40.7×31.7 cm. 16×12 1/2 in.

Signed in English on upper left; signed and titled in kanji and dated on the reverse
PROVENANCE
Important Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Toobi Certification for Fine Arts, Tokyo

Note: A label signed, titled, dated and stamped by Kazumasa Nakagawa is affixed on the reverse

Blooming Passion in Darkness
Kazumasa Nakagawa's Camellia Japonica

Inspired by the stories of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne published in magazines, Kazumasa Nakagawa, one of the most brilliant minds of 20th-century Japanese art, began his painting career at the age of 20. Self-teaching himself and without ever attending an art school, he pursued unique and radical ways of art-making throughout his life, until passing away at age 97. He led numerous visits to China representing the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, and his art culminated in two art museums dedicated to remembering his legacy, which are testaments to his great achievements in the art world. In 1960, his work titled Gyosongaifu was offered as a gift to the Crown Prince's Palace (Tōgō Palace) of Japan through the National Governors Association, entering the royal collection. He received the Order of Culture award in 1975 and held a major exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris in 1990.

In the second half of his life, he favoured flowers as a painting subject and created works in large quantities. Tsubaki, executed with absolute maturity and perfection when Nakagawa was 89, is representative of his floral works. With vibrant and elegant colours, the painting grants the flowers accurate and vivid forms, exuding strong vitality.

Fragrant Poetry Coming to Life

"Tsubaki" is the Japanese name for camellias, which bloom resiliently from winter to early spring. They were historically known as "sacred flowers", favoured by the aristocratic and samurai classes. Growing gorgeous, voluminous but scentless flowers and fleshy, humble leaves, the camellias are also considered to be a symbol of the virtue of modesty.

The painting employs dense patches of black and orange to lay the background, creating tension and an extraordinary colour contrast. With dynamic brushstrokes, the artist depicts the red flower buds like a blazing fire that lights up the night sky. On the flowers, Nakagawa uses the warmth of gold and the serenity of blue to outline the contrast between light and shadow with subtle changes between the warm and cool tones, showcasing the life and energy of the flowers.

Underneath the flowers is a Baroque vase of classical elegance. A round-framed portrait of a Western figure in profile sits in the middle, reflecting the artist's pursuit of antique taste. Lips curled slightly into a mysterious smile, the figure embodies a charm that transcends time and space and different cultures.

The vase is accompanied by pomegranates and other fruits. In both the East and the West, pomegranates carry connotations of productivity and vitality. Echoing each other, the colours of the tsubaki and the pomegranates bring a prosperous and joyful atmosphere to the exuberant and energetic floral scene.

Price estimate:
HKD 70,000 - 120,000
USD 9,000 - 15,400