Kumagai Morikazu

(1880–1977)
Kumagai Morikazu was born in Gifu Prefecture. After graduating from Tokyo School of Fine Arts, he was active at the Bunten (government-sponsored exhibitions), and for about five years worked as a woodcutter in the Kiso Mountains, following his mother’s death. Kumagai is widely recognized for a style distinguished by bright colors and clear forms. His later works, depicting familiar living things like flowers, insects, and birds, are cherished by people across all ages. He refused the Order of Culture, preferring to spend an artistic life free of official interference. Kumagai was often considered as ‘the recluse of the Japanese art world.’