Toshio Bando 1895–1973. The Kikus

Toshio BANDO (1895–1973) The Kikus, or Chrysanthemum Flowers

Pastel signed lower right
70 x 58 cm

A magnificent pastel by Japanese artist Toshio BANDO, this bouquet of Kikus in shimmering, vibrant colors, a classic example of Japanese floral art. (The chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Imperial Family and appears on Japan’s imperial seal, government-issued passports, and the 50-yen coin. This beautiful plant also symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation.)
Toshio BANDO was a Japanese painter and printmaker born on July 16, 1895, in Tokushima (Shikoku Island) and died in Boulogne-Billancourt on March 1, 1973.

Born into a samurai family, he lost his mother at the age of seven and was raised by his grandmother, while his father worked in the shipping industry in Osaka.
He trained in Tokyo under Fujishima Takeji, who led him to his first group exhibition in Tokyo in 1918. He developed a passion for Fauvism, Cubism, and the Parisian art scene.
In 1922, he arrived in France and became friends with Foujita; he joined the Montparnasse School and, beginning in 1922, participated in the Salon d’Automne and later in the exhibition “Foujita and the Japanese Painters.”

Living away from Paris allowed him to take in animals, which he painted at his leisure. He would later return to live in Paris to reunite with his friend Foujita, Man Ray, and Kiki de Montparnasse. A photo of the artist is included with the others.

Museums:
France: Auxerre, Avignon, Paris (Cernushi),
Japan: Kobe, Tokushima