This set of three original shikishi artworks showcases the refined elegance and technical mastery of 葛谷聖山 (Kuzuya Seizan, b. 1930)—a distinguished Gifu-born Japanese painter and long-time member of the Toyo Bijutsu Kai (Oriental Art Association). Renowned for his exceptional skill in kachōga (flowers-and-birds painting) and as one of the very few contemporary artists capable of producing traditional folding screen paintings (byōbu-e), Seizan’s work reflects a harmony of classical Japanese aesthetics and serene natural beauty.
Each shikishi is painted on a radiant gold-leaf ground, a luxurious surface long associated with high-ranking Japanese art. Against this shimmering backdrop, Seizan’s brushwork reveals a masterful command of color, composition, and quiet emotional resonance.
1. Plum Blossoms and Japanese White-Eye (梅に目白)
The first artwork features a lively Japanese white-eye perched among blossoming red and white plum branches. The contrast of delicate white petals, vibrant scarlet blossoms, and the bright green bird creates a vivid celebration of early spring. Seizan’s confident strokes capture the rhythm of the branches and the soft vitality of the blooms, while the gold background intensifies the sense of renewal and auspicious beauty.
2. Iris Flowers (菖蒲)
The second shikishi presents a striking pair of irises—one in deep indigo and the other in pure white—standing tall against the luminous gold field. Their elegant blades and softly layered petals exemplify Seizan’s subtle yet expressive handling of botanical subjects. The composition combines strength and delicacy, embodying the iris’s traditional symbolism of protection, purification, and resilience.
3. Pomegranates on Branch (石榴)
The final piece depicts ripe pomegranates hanging heavily from slender, angular branches. The rich red and orange hues of the fruit, contrasted with the autumnal leaves, create a warm, atmospheric harmony. The cut-open pomegranate revealing its seeds symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the abundance of life—motifs frequently treasured in Japanese seasonal painting.
Artist Biography — 葛谷聖山 (Kuzuya Seizan, 1930– )
Born in Gifu in 1930, Kuzuya Seizan has built a long and respected career in the world of Japanese painting. A member of the Toyo Bijutsu Kai (Oriental Art Association), he has been selected for numerous exhibitions, including prefectural shows, and has held many solo exhibitions throughout his life. Skilled in a wide range of subjects—flowers and birds, portraits, and large-scale folding screens—Seizan is recognized as one of the few contemporary artists capable of producing true traditional folding screen paintings, a demanding and prestigious art form.
He continues to work actively, producing paintings characterized by clarity, refinement, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Size: 24 x 27cm (Each)
