Lithograph “Red Plum Blossoms” by Matazo Kayama JAC-NA-601-LGP-09

Kayama Matazo was one of Japan’s leading Nihonga painters, known for merging traditional Japanese painting techniques with a modern sensibility and innovative expression.
Born in Kyoto in 1927, he played an important role in the postwar Japanese art world.

His father was a designer of Nishijin textiles, and from an early age Kayama was immersed in art and design. He later studied Nihonga at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts), where he mastered traditional techniques.
At the same time, he actively incorporated influences from Western art and design, pursuing a unique style that transcended the conventional boundaries of Nihonga.
His works are characterized by the use of gold and silver leaf, vivid colors, and refined compositions, creating a distinctive world that balances decorative richness with a sense of quiet elegance.
In particular, his depictions of cats, female nudes, and landscapes harmonize delicate line work with bold composition, leaving a strong impression on the viewer.

Kayama also made significant contributions to the preservation and advancement of traditional techniques, and is highly regarded as an artist who expanded the possibilities of Nihonga.
In recognition of his achievements, he was designated a Person of Cultural Merit, making a lasting contribution to the development of Japanese art.
Bridging tradition and innovation, Matazo Kayama pursued a timeless sense of beauty and remains a pivotal figure in the foundation of modern Nihonga.

Lithography is a printmaking technique that originated in Europe in the late 18th century, utilizing the natural repulsion between oil and water on a stone (or metal plate) to create prints.
It is distinguished by its exceptional ability to render everything from delicate line work to rich tonal gradations, offering a highly painterly quality.

In the production process, the artist draws directly onto a surface such as limestone using oil-based crayons or ink. Through chemical treatment, areas that accept ink and those that retain water are separated.
Because the ink adheres only to the oil-based areas, the image can then be transferred onto paper using this principle.
This method allows for the faithful reproduction of soft textures and subtle shading, much like those achieved with brush or pencil.

Since the 19th century, lithography has been widely embraced by artists and has been used for posters, illustrations, and fine art prints.
In particular, multi-color lithographs—created by layering separate plates for each color—enable vivid, richly layered expressions that enhance their visual impact.
Combining meticulous hand processes with the distinctive texture of printmaking, lithography continues to be valued by contemporary artists as a technique that balances artistic expression with reproducibility.

Serial number: 108/120.
Comes with a frame.

• Lithograph “Red Plum Blossoms” by Kayama Matazo
  Product No.：JAC-NA-601-LGP-09
  *Only one available.
  Size：665 mm × 536 mm × 32 mm
  Weight：About 3.4 kg
  In a paper box.
• 1,000 JPY flat rate shipping within Japan, free shipping for purchases totaling 20,000 JPY or more.
  Please bear the actual cost for shipping charges outside Japan.