Spring at Yunokawa (Kishu)

Cherry blossoms bloom along a riverbank, and a soft haze envelops the rolling hills. A figure with a parasol appears to be pointing at a water bird. The work conveys the atmosphere of a calm spring day with fresh brushstrokes, and effective use of green throughout the canvas reflects Oono’s exceptional skill. Oono Ryutoku studied painting under Horie Masaaki at the former Chiba Junior High School, and was taught by Wada Eisaku and others at Tokyo Fine Arts School. While still a student, he drew acclaim by being selected for the Bunten (exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education), and he went on to win repeated awards. After studying in Europe during the Taisho era (1912–26), he returned to Japan and, in 1931, founded Oono Yoga Kenkyujo (Oono Western-style Painting Institute), dedicating himself to mentoring young artists. Oono was killed in the 1945 Tokyo air raids, and many of his works were lost. (N.R.)