Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Kishida Ryusei died in 1929; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1999.
In context
Self-Portrait — Kishida Ryusei
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 38 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Kishida Ryusei (1891–1929) every dated painting, decade by decade
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/kishida-ryusei-self-portrait-D4AH4T-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Driftwood #ae7b52
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 11 works by this artist, of which 1 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 1 of them, with 100.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Self-Portrait — Kishida Ryusei
From 1913 until the following year, Ryûsei focused on painting self-portraits. He produced a series of portraits not only of himself, but also of the faces of friends and acquaintances, and his passion toward production came to be known by such terms as
Artist and museum
Born in Osaka, Japan
kishida ryūsei, a japanese painter, was born on june 23, 1891, and passed away on december 20, 1929. during his lifetime, he became renowned for his realistic yōga-style portraiture, as well as his nihonga paintings in the 1920s.
kishida's work is characterized by its blend of traditional japanese techniques with western influences. his yōga-style portraiture is notable for its realism, while his nihonga paintings reflect a deep understanding of japan's rich cultural heritage.
notable works include his portraits, which capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable accuracy.
his nihonga paintings, on the other hand, showcase his mastery of traditional japanese art forms, often incorporating subtle, nuanced elements.
kishida ryūsei's contributions to japanese art are undeniable. his unique blend of styles has influenced generations of artists. some of his notable works can be found in various museums and collections, including:
shizuoka prefectural museum of art, which features an impressive collection of his portraits.
yasuda kasai museum of art, dedicated to showcasing the works of japanese artists, including kishida's nihonga masterpieces.
yorosu tetsugorō's works, which share similarities with kishida's yōga-style, can be found on AllPaintingsStore.com.
saeki yūzō: la cloche (shizuoka prefectural museum of art), a painting that reflects the western influences on japanese art during the taishō period.
kishida ryūsei's artistic legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. his unique blend of traditional and western styles has cemented his place in the history of japanese art.
explore more of kishida's works on AllPaintingsStore.com.
discover the nihonga art movement, which influenced kishida's nihonga paintings, and its significance in japanese art history.
references:
the art of japanese paper
kishida ryūsei's artist page on AllPaintingsStore.com
On show in Matsue, Japan
Nestled within the serene embrace of Lake Shinji in Matsue, Japan, the Shimane Art Museum is more than simply a repository for artistic treasures; it’s an immersive experience—a harmonious choreography of architectural innovation, tranquil natural beauty, and a remarkably diverse collection spanning both Eastern and Western traditions. Opened in 1999, the museum immediately distinguished itself as a cultural beacon within the region, largely thanks to the visionary design of Kiyonori Kikutake. His approach wasn’t merely about constructing a space to display art, but rather one that would actively enhance its appreciation through thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape—a deliberate blurring of boundaries between indoors and out, creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and profound engagement.
The museum's design philosophy reflects a sophisticated blend of modern sensibility and deeply rooted Japanese aesthetics. Clean lines are juxtaposed with abundant natural light, flowing spaces invite exploration, and the entire structure seems to breathe in rhythm with the lake’s gentle movements. This seamless integration is particularly striking; the building appears to rise organically from the landscape, its form echoing the curves of the shoreline and reflecting the shimmering surface of the water. Kikutake masterfully employed natural materials – primarily wood and stone – further solidifying this connection to the environment, creating a space that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary.
At the very heart of the Shimane Art Museum beats an extraordinary collection dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, arguably Japan’s most internationally recognized ukiyo-e artist. Boasting over 1,600 pieces – a breathtaking array of paintings, meticulously crafted woodblock prints, and insightful sketches – the museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to trace the evolution of Hokusai's distinctive style and explore the astonishing breadth of his artistic vision. Visitors can journey through his career, witnessing the development of his iconic wave series, from the monumental “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” to lesser-known but equally compelling landscapes depicting Mount Fuji and intimate portraits capturing the essence of everyday life.
Beyond the sheer volume of works, what truly sets this collection apart is its depth. The museum meticulously showcases not just finished prints, but also preparatory sketches, proofs, and woodblocks – providing a rare glimpse into Hokusai’s creative process. These details reveal the artist's meticulous attention to detail, his innovative use of color, and his profound understanding of nature. The arrangement within the galleries is thoughtfully designed to guide viewers through this narrative arc, allowing them to fully appreciate the nuances of Hokusai’s artistic journey.
While Hokusai rightfully commands center stage, the Shimane Art Museum's scope extends far beyond Japanese art. A carefully curated selection of Western masterpieces provides a fascinating and unexpectedly resonant counterpoint, featuring works by luminaries such as Corot, Sisley, Monet, and Gauguin – masters who profoundly influenced Hokusai himself. These paintings, representing key movements in European art history—Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and beyond—offer a compelling dialogue with the Japanese collection, inviting viewers to consider cross-cultural influences and shared artistic concerns.
The juxtaposition isn’t merely decorative; it speaks to the museum's commitment to fostering a global perspective on art. For example, observing Monet’s shimmering water lilies alongside Hokusai’s depictions of the sea reveals a shared fascination with capturing fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. Similarly, Gauguin’s vibrant use of color echoes Hokusai’s bold palette. The museum skillfully arranges these works to highlight these connections, prompting visitors to contemplate how artists across continents responded to similar aesthetic challenges and inspirations.
Beyond the global masterpieces, the Shimane Art Museum proudly showcases exquisite examples of Momoyama period folding screens – a testament to Japan’s rich artistic heritage. These large-format paintings, often adorned with gold leaf and intricate details, are more than just decorative objects; they represent complex narratives drawn from nature, historical events, or literary tales. Each screen is a miniature world unto itself, meticulously crafted to evoke emotion and convey meaning.
The museum’s architecture plays a crucial role in presenting these works to their best advantage. Kikutake's design incorporates flexible exhibition spaces that can be adapted to accommodate the diverse needs of different collections. Natural light is carefully controlled – diffused rather than direct – to protect delicate artworks while simultaneously enhancing their visual impact. The orientation of the galleries maximizes views of Lake Shinji, creating a powerful sense of connection between the art and the natural world—a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese artistic tradition. These screens aren’t simply displayed; they are integrated into the very fabric of the museum's experience.
Established as part of Japan’s broader efforts to promote cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression, the Shimane Art Museum has quickly become an essential destination for both scholars and casual visitors alike. Its location in Matsue—a city steeped in history and renowned for its scenic beauty—adds another layer of appeal. The museum actively engages with the local community through educational programs, workshops, and special exhibitions, ensuring that art remains accessible to all. And finally, the serene environment surrounding the museum – particularly the breathtaking sunsets over Lake Shinji – offers a unique opportunity for reflection and inspiration, making it an unforgettable experience for all who visit. The Shimane Art Museum stands as a testament to the power of art to connect us to the past, inspire us in the present, and shape our vision of the future.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/kishida-ryusei-self-portrait-D4AH4T-en/
Look closely
Self-Portrait — Kishida Ryusei
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
Overall, "Self-Portrait" is recorded as bright. Perceived brightness describes how light or dark the work appears.
"Self-Portrait" by Kishida Ryusei can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.
Kishida Ryusei is also known as 岸田 劉生.