Who is Matazo Kayama? A Master of Japanese Painting Who Bridged Decoration and the Avant-Garde [Kaitori Iura]

Matazo Kayama's works possess a splendor that draws you in at a single glance.

Decorative canvases reminiscent of gold and silver, taut lines, and striking motifs such as cats, cranes, nudes, flowers, fish, and landscapes.
While inheriting the beauty of traditional Japanese painting, they also feel somewhat modern and possess a slightly sharp atmosphere.

Matazo Kayama is one of the most representative painters of post-war Japanese art.
He is known as an artist who pioneered new expressions by introducing avant-garde composition and decorative elements into the framework of Japanese painting.

■ The Appeal of Matazo Kayama's Works

I believe the appeal of Matazo Kayama lies in the coexistence of tradition and novelty within the same canvas.

A classical aesthetic sense reminiscent of the Rinpa school and Song-Yuan dynasty paintings.
On the other hand, a sense of composition that also resonates with Modigliani and Picasso.
By incorporating both, he created a style of Japanese painting unique to Matazo Kayama.

Cats, cranes, horses, fish, flowers, nudes, winter mountains.
Every motif carries a taut atmosphere that is more than just beautiful.

Works depicting animals and flowers, in particular, have a quiet tension despite their decorative nature.
This feeling of being "gorgeous yet not overly sweet" is a major charm of Kayama's work.

■ A Highly Popular Artist for Prints as Well

Matazo Kayama is well known not only for his primary paintings but also for his prints.

He left behind works using various techniques such as lithographs, woodblock prints, copperplate engravings, and mezzotints, and is highly regarded as a printmaker.

Among these, his mezzotint works depicting tropical fish are particularly impressive examples when discussing his print oeuvre.
They can be viewed as works that combine the high level of Japanese printmaking technique with Kayama's signature decorative style.

■ Perspectives Vary Between Primary Paintings, Sketches, and Prints

Matazo Kayama's works can be categorized into several types, including primary paintings, sketches, prints, and collaborations with ceramics.

In primary paintings, subjects typical of Kayama, such as cats, cranes, flowers, landscapes, and nudes, tend to attract attention.
Sketches and studies also possess a charm in their lines and compositional strength.

On the other hand, prints are relatively more abundant in circulation, and how they are viewed depends on factors such as signatures, edition numbers, catalogue raisonné numbers, and preservation condition.

In other words, even for the same Matazo Kayama work,
"Is it a primary painting?"
"Is it a sketch?"
"Is it a print?"
"Is it a collaboration with ceramics?"
The points to check differ depending on the type.

■ Read More Detailed Articles Here

On the Kaitori Iura blog, we provide detailed explanations regarding the differences between Matazo Kayama's primary paintings, sketches, prints, and ceramic collaborations, how they are viewed in the market, and the points to check during appraisal.

・How are Matazo Kayama's works evaluated?
・What is the difference between original paintings and prints?
・How are motifs such as cats, cranes, flowers, and fish viewed?
・Do certificates of authenticity, tomo-seals, and original boxes affect the appraisal?
・Can I consult about works with stains or discoloration?

If you own works by Matazo Kayama or are interested in prints such as lithographs, woodblock prints, or mezzotints, please take a look here.

▶ Purchase and Appraisal of Matazo Kayama Works | Market Trends and Appraisal Points for Original Paintings, Sketches, Prints, and Ceramic Collaborations

■ You do not need to be committed to selling to consult with us

Matazo Kayama's works are viewed differently not only based on their visual beauty but also on the type of work and the presence of supporting documentation.

It is easier to verify the work if you have photos of the entire piece, the seal and signature, the back, the back of the frame, the tomo-seal, the certificate of authenticity, the original box, the catalog, and any areas where you are concerned about the condition.

“I want to know if this is an original painting or a print.”
“I want to know if you can look at a piece that has stains in an old frame.”
“I want to confirm if I can consult about a work that lacks a certificate of authenticity or a tomo-seal.”

Consultations at such stages are possible.
We do 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/tomo-seal.

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Please feel free to consult with us about any other paintings or art objects as well.

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