Hayashi Takeshi is known for his female portraits and roses of vibrant colors and thick, strong outlines. The present work is, however, executed in gouache and pastel. A sea bream occupies the lower half of the painting with white and pale pink colors, and several mackerels lay above. The solid lines drawn in black pastel evokes Hayashi’s oil painting outlines, which is regarded as his distinguished feature. When examined closely, the work seems to be executed in surprisingly simple brushworks.

Fish is a familiar subject for Hayashi, most of which are nonetheless treated as a still-life motif, same as flowers and vessels, painted at his studio. The present work, however, appears as a sketch made onsite at a fish market, instead of being modelled at studio. The spontaneity of the medium of gouache and pastel, as opposed to the scrupulousness of oil, adds to the vigorousness of the work.

Hayashi signed the work in kanji character “武” (Takeshi) with a seal. The work was perhaps produced in a different frame of mind from his oil paintings with romanized signs.

Hayashi Takeshi (yoga painter; 1896–1975)
Tokyo-born yoga painter. His real name is Takeomi. Son of the Japanese classical scholar Hayashi Mikaomi. Dropped out of Nippon Art College. Received the Chogyu award and Nika award. A member of Nika-kai. Later left Nika-kai and joined the Dokuritsu bijutsu kyokai later. Continued exhibiting his works. Established a substantial style that consists meticulous composition, vivid colors, and bold brushworks. Awarded the Mainichi geijutsu-sho (Mainichi Newspaper fine arts prize) and the Japan Art Academy Prize. Appointed Tokyo University of the Arts professor.