This work was executed in 1952, when Yamaguchi Kaoru was forty-five. Two years ago, he resigned from the Jiyubijutsuka-kyokai with seven like-minded others, and later they founded the Modern Art Association together. Its first exhibition was held in the following year. This is a crucial period for Yamaguchi, for he became a pioneering artist of the time, and started to establish his distinctive artistic style. The present work was widely exhibited in important exhibitions, including the “First Japan International Art Exhibition” at Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, “Modern Japanese Art: Retrospective and Perspective of Modern Painting” at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and two of Yamaguchi’s posthumous retrospective shows. Undoubtedly, this work witnessed and represented a significant stage of the artist’s career at his heyday.

Yamaguchi wrote its title “Wood and String” on the wooden frame at the back of the work. The title in Japanese written on the seal of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum Japan International Art Exhibition was possibly by the artist himself as well. As its title indicates, lines of trunks and branches, as well as the red string, compositionally divide the color areas. This work represents the fresh green foliage in late spring towards early summer. Its bright pallet and clear composition differ from the tranquility of his late works.

Yamaguchi Kaoru (yoga painter; 1907–1968)
Gunma-born yoga painter. Graduated from the Western-style painting department of Tokyo School of Fine Arts. His works were included at Teiten and Kokuga-kai exhibitions. Travelled to Europe and Egypt after graduation. Participated in the initiation of Shinjidai yoga-ten (new age yoga exhibition) after returning Japan. Founded Jiyubijutsuka kyokai and Modern Art Association. Received various awards, including the merit prize of the Contemporary Art Exhibition of Japan, Mainichi geijutsu-sho (Mainichi Newspaper fine arts prize), the National prize of the Guggenheim International Award, and the Ministry of Education Award of the Art Encouragement Prizes. Member of Exposition internationale du figurative. Professor of the Tokyo University of the Arts.