LIVERPOOL.- Once a celebrated artist in Tokyo, Taki Katei (1830–1901) had the honour of his paintings being displayed in the imperial court, and his impressive works travelled to international expositions. After his death, one of his pupils, Ishibashi Kazunori (1876–1928), took charge of a large group of sketches and brought them to Britain when he came here to study in 1907. Drawing on Nature shows a selection from Katei’s collection of drawings that he used for teaching, for preparing some of his major commissions, and as aides-mémoire.

Born in Edo (today’s Tokyo) in 1830, Katei was one of the most successful artists of his generation and a master of the genre of bird-and-flower painting. In 1893, in recognition of his service to the imperial court, Katei was awarded the title “Imperial Household Artist.” He produced a large body of work in various formats, including hanging scrolls, albums, sliding doors, ceiling paintings and folding screens. Some of his designs were made into lacquerwares and metalwork.

Despite Katei’s fame during his lifetime, after the early 1920s, he largely disappeared from art history until the recent research of guest curator, Dr Rosina Buckland. “Taki Katei was a fascinating figure, straddling the divide between traditional and modern in late 19th-century Japan. It is remarkable that the archive of such an important artist is available to us in Liverpool. We can learn so much about his process of making, and also about the role of his student, Ishibashi Kazunori, in bringing these drawing to Britain.”

Revealing the techniques of this great artist, the exhibition examines Katei’s unparalleled ability to represent nature, landscape and - most commonly – close-up views of birds and flowers. The works on show demonstrate his skill and creativity, while also revealing how centuries-old Chinese culture shaped his artistic vision. The focus of the exhibition is Katei’s ‘preparatory’ drawings, transporting the visitor to his studio and giving a first-hand exposé of how he created his paintings. Invoking a serene atmosphere through his natural depictions of foliage, mountains, and winding river valleys, the exhibition invites visitors to view an assortment of drawings and paintings on silk.

Emma Martin, Senior Curator, World Museum, said:

“We are excited to be showing the highlights of this important collection for the first time. We hope visitors have the same reaction as we did as we unrolled each piece for the first time, and full, flouncy peonies in blushing pinks and strutting cockerels with iridescent feathers suddenly unfurled before our eyes. There were gasps of amazement and smiles of delight from members of the team who were unfamiliar with Katei’s work and we knew straight away that these works would make an incredible exhibition.”

Central to the exhibition is a consideration of Katei’s teaching activities. Separated into five themes, the exhibition looks at the hidden meanings and the symbolism that were prevalent in his works, the techniques he used, and his practice towards perfection. At first glance, his works seem modest, yet on further examination the visual sophistication becomes apparent. The stunning scenes of blossoming trees, bamboos and orchids, or landscapes populated with animals, birds and figures are executed in various styles, from ornate and detailed to rapid and whimsical, with pops of glorious psychedelic colour. Often, the composition includes a calligraphic inscription.