斎藤カオル KAORU SAITO (1931-2021)

Kaoru Saito is widely celebrated as one of Japan’s finest ever mezzotint artists, capturing the quiet intimacy and beauty of 美人絵 bijin-e through both delicate portrayals of women and evocative scenes from The Tale of Genji. Graceful compositions on velvety Japanese papers balance deep contrasts with subtle gradations of light, inviting viewers into a dreamlike world imbued with warmth and sensuality.

Blending classical Japanese aesthetics with contemporary influences, Saito studied under 鶴田吾郎 Tsuruta Goro (1890-1969) and 荒井龍男 Arai Tatsuo (1905–1955). A distinguished member and former chairman of the 春陽会 Shunyo-kai Art Society - established in 1922 to foster innovation in Japanese art - Saito showcased his work widely, from Japan, South Korea, to the United States and Europe.