Seiji Chokai

Western-style painter. Born March 4, 1902 in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. His real name was Masao. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Kansai University in 1927 (Showa 2). While still a student, he exhibited his works at the Shunyo Exhibition and received the Shunyo-kai Prize consecutively. After that, he traveled to Europe from 1955 to 1958, touring various countries, mainly Paris. After returning to Japan, he became a member of the Shunyo-kai, but left in 1968 to become a member of the Independent Art Association. He developed an interest in ukiyo-e, antique art, and pottery, and was known for the refinement of his heavy texture and subdued colors. In 1955 (Showa 30), he won the Minister of Education's Art Encouragement Prize. In 1983, he exhibited "Picador" at the Contemporary Japanese Art Exhibition, which won the Grand Prize, and the following year he received the Mainichi Art Award. During that time, he exhibited his works at the 4th Sao Paulo Biennale, and traveled to various parts of the world for research. He passed away in Tokyo on June 11, 1972.

[Tadao Ogura]

"Sasaki Seiichi Commentary: Contemporary Japanese Art 11: Chokai Seiji and Others" (1975, Shueisha)

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

洋画家。明治35年3月4日神奈川県平塚に生まれる。本名正夫。1927年（昭和2）関西大学経済学部を卒業。在学中から春陽展に出品し、連続して春陽会賞を受けたのち、30～33年渡欧してパリを中心に各国を巡遊する。帰国して春陽会会員となるが、43年に退会して独立美術協会の会員となる。浮世絵、古美術、陶器に関心を深め、重厚な画肌と渋い彩調の雅趣で知られる。55年度（昭和30）芸術選奨文部大臣賞を受賞。58年現代日本美術展に『ピカドール』を出品して最優秀賞、翌年毎日美術賞を受ける。その間第4回サンパウロ・ビエンナーレ展に出品のほか、世界各地に取材の旅行を重ねた。昭和47年6月11日東京で没。

［小倉忠夫］

『佐々木靜一解説『現代日本の美術11　鳥海青児他』（1975・集英社）』

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