Who is Hiroshi Senju? A Leading Contemporary Japanese Painter Known for His Waterfalls

Hiroshi Senju is one of the leading artists representing contemporary Japanese painting.

While cherishing the traditional materials and techniques of Japanese painting, he has created works that are also internationally acclaimed as contemporary art.
Among them, the "Waterfall" series, which features waterfalls as its theme, can be called Hiroshi Senju's signature work.

These works allow one to feel the presence of falling water and the vast passage of time within a quiet composition.
The great appeal of Hiroshi Senju's work lies in the fact that, while being Japanese painting, it possesses a breadth that also connects to abstract expressionism and minimal art.

■ Hiroshi Senju's Achievements

Hiroshi Senju was born in Tokyo in 1958. He graduated from the Department of Painting at Tokyo University of the Arts, majoring in Japanese painting, and completed his master's degree at the same university. His official profile introduces him as a painter living in New York, known worldwide for his works depicting massive waterfalls and cliffs.

A major turning point was the 46th Venice Biennale in 1995.
Hiroshi Senju received an Honorable Mention at the exhibition, and he is also introduced as the "first Asian to receive an Honorable Mention" in the faculty profile at Kyoto University of the Arts.

This award was a significant event that helped Japanese painting gain recognition in the international contemporary art scene.
Hiroshi Senju can be described as an artist who not only preserved the traditions of Japanese painting but also expanded its expression to the world.

■ The Signature Expression of Waterfalls

When it comes to Hiroshi Senju's work, I think many people immediately think of his "Waterfall" series.

A composition where a white waterfall seems to emerge from a dark space.
While it appears to depict a single moment of falling water, one can also feel stillness, prayer, and the flow of time within it.

His official profile also introduces Hiroshi Senju's work as a combination of minimal expression rooted in abstract expressionism and ancient Japanese painting techniques.

Furthermore, the Karuizawa Senju Museum of Art showcases his works from his early career to the present, allowing visitors to experience the world of Hiroshi Senju, including his "Waterfall" series.

■ An Artist Who Expanded the Boundaries of Japanese Painting

Hiroshi Senju's activities are not limited to paintings alone.

He has worked on numerous large-scale projects involving public and architectural spaces, such as the sliding door paintings (fusuma-e) at the Daitoku-ji Jukoin Temple, the sliding door paintings at Shofuso in Philadelphia, and art direction at international airports. His profile at Kyoto University of the Arts also highlights the breadth of his activities, including exhibitions and public projects both in Japan and abroad.

How can the materials of Japanese painting resonate in contemporary spaces?
One can feel the journey of Hiroshi Senju as he has continuously faced this question in his work.

For this reason, Hiroshi Senju is viewed not only within the framework of a "Japanese painter" but also as a contemporary artist active on the international stage.

■ How He Is Viewed in the Market

Hiroshi Senju's works are widely traded in the domestic art market as well.

When looking at the market, it is easier to understand if you categorize works into three main types: original paintings, prints, and craft works.
Even for works with the same "Waterfall" theme, the valuation varies depending on whether it is a one-of-a-kind painting on paper with colors, a print, or a craft piece such as a porcelain plaque or decorative plate.

In particular, works themed around water, such as Waterfalls, Falls, Water Forest, and Falling Color, tend to attract more interest.
On the other hand, even for a well-known artist, not all works are traded at the same price range.

It is important to check the type of work, size, condition, signature, tomobako (signed box/certificate), edition number, and whether accessories are included.

■ For those who want to know more about Hiroshi Senju's works

The Kaitori Iura blog explains Hiroshi Senju's profile and style, as well as how his works are viewed in the actual market and the points checked during appraisal, in an easy-to-understand manner.

For example,

・What price range are Hiroshi Senju's works traded in?
・What is the difference between original paintings, prints, and craft works?
・How are Waterfall works evaluated?
・Can Royal Copenhagen porcelain plaques and decorative plates also be appraised?
・Do signatures, tomobako, and edition numbers affect the appraisal?

We have compiled information that owners of these works are likely to be curious about.

Because Hiroshi Senju's works are popular and well-known, it is important to check each piece individually.
If you would like to know more, please take a look at our blog.

▶ Hiroshi Senju Purchase & Appraisal | Market Value of Waterfall Works, Original Paintings, Prints, and Crafts

■ You do not need to be planning to sell to consult with us

If you own a work by Hiroshi Senju, it is perfectly fine to start by just confirming the type of work.

"I want to know if it is an original painting or a print"
"I want to know how Waterfall works are currently viewed"
"I want to confirm if I can consult about porcelain plaques and decorative plates"
"I haven't decided whether to sell, but I just want to know the value"

Consultations at such stages are also possible.

It is easier to verify if you have photos of the entire work, the signature and seal, the back, the tomobako, the edition number, the box or case, and any areas where you are concerned about the condition.

We will not pressure you to sell, so please feel free to consult with us with whatever information you have.

➡️Toshikazu Iura - Expert in Paintings and Art Trading

📷 It is best to have two photos: one of the entire work and one of the signature/certificate seal.

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