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Kousetu Murata, A Spring Evening, c.1926

Bensetsu Murata was the only female painter among the exhibitors. Although there are many unknown facts about her, she is believed to have temporarily resided in New York during this period, as she exhibited “Rouge” at the Salons of America in 1926. The large work at the top of the group photo is “Spring Evening.” The New York Shimpo wrote, “The colors of the sky and the flowers in ‘Spring Evening’ are good, and the figures have a sense of longevity. It is Japanese inspired by Western painting.” (Ishigaki) ‘Spring Evening’ was selected for the Imperial Exhibition and was very well received. The dreamy mood of ‘Spring Evening’ is well expressed.” (Fujioka) (“Art Exhibition Review,” New York Shimpo, March 5, 1927)