View of Farmland Consolidation

Following the enactment of the Farmland Consolidation Law in 1889, Tako Town, Katori County, Chiba embarked on Japan’s second land consolidation project in 1901, following one in Ishikawa Prefecture. This painting representing the outcomes of the initiative was commissioned by the governor of Chiba Prefecture. A perspectival rendering reminiscent of a blueprint, it depicts not only the agricultural plots but also the number of houses in the distance, with rigorous accuracy that was remarked on by local residents. Horie Masaaki’s works are characterized by the refreshing deep blue color of the sky, which earned him the nickname “Cobalt-sensei.” Tako Town, renowned for its Takomai rice, today boasts the secondlargest agricultural land area in Chiba Prefecture. Born in Nagano Prefecture, Horie studied at the Imperial College of Arts under Acchile San Giovanni. Horie later taught painting at an art school before taking a position as a drawing teacher at the former Chiba Junior High School in 1897. Over his 35-year tenure he influenced numerous students, including Ishii Rinkyo, Itakura Kanae, Yanagi Keisuke, and Oono Ryutoku. (A.J.)