An investigation on the method of "a fusion between Japanese and foreign" in Kaii Higashiyama's Japanese paintings

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the method of “a fusion between Japanese and foreign” applied in Kaii Higashiyama's paintings, mainly focuses on the three picture books and essays written by him. Based on the premise that kaii's practice is related to the appreciation of other painters' work, the author points out the influence of the French painter Paul Cézanne on his art career. Moreover, this paper argues how Kaii adopted the method of “a fusion between Japanese and foreign” in a different way part from other painters at the same era, and this is one of the reasons of why he has the title “national painter”. More specifically, this paper studies the development of the method of “a fusion between Japanese and foreign” applied by Kaii by categorizing his creative activities in three periods: before 1946, 1947 to 1961, and 1962 to 1972. It also demonstrates a detailed examination of the “Fusion of Japanese and Western” methods and influences in the art of Kaii. Finally, this paper concludes the method of “a fusion between Japanese and foreign” adopted by Kaii Higashiyama in his arts.