Appendix B: Major Collectors

Guth, Christine M. E.

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Appendix B: Major Collectors

Christine M. E. Guth

Art, Tea, and Industry: Masuda Takashi and the Mitsui Circle

Appendix B: Major Collectors

Author

Christine M. E. Guth

PublisherPrinceton University Press

https://doi.org/10.37862/aaeportal.00024.013

Stable URL: https://aaeportal.com/?id=-19197

Appendix B: Major Collectors

Asabuki Eiji (1849–1918). Tea name: Saian. Born in Oita Prefecture. Studied at Keio University. Hired by Nakamigawa Hikōjirō as director of Mitsui’s Kanegafuji Spinning Co. and later its Ōji Paper Co. Friend and associate of Masuda noted for his eye for art.

Dan Takuma (1858–1932). Tea name: Rizan. Baron, 1928. Born into a samurai family in Fukuoka Prefecture (Chikuzen). In 1871 traveled with Iwakura Mission to United States. Studied mining engineering at M. I. T. In 1884 was appointed chief engineer at the Miike Mines, and, after the mines’ purchase by Mitsui, director of its mining division. Director of Mitsui Gōmei Kaisha after Masuda’s resignation in 1912. Killed by a member of a right-wing organization in 1932. Enthusiastic collector, devotee of tea, and member of Masuda’s inner circle.

Fujihara Ginjirō (1869–1960). Tea name: Gyōun. Born in Nagano Prefecture. Studied at Keio University, graduating in 1889. Worked as journalist before joining Mitsui Bank under Nakamigawa. Later transferred to Mitsui Trading Company, working under Masuda. In 1911 became managing director of Ōji Paper Co. An enthusiastic collector and man of tea with vivid recollections of Masuda’s activities during late Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa eras.

Fujita Densaburō (1841–1912). Tea name: Kōsetsu. Baron, 1911. Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture (Chōshū), the son of a sake brewer. Moved to Osaka after the Restoration. Was a partner in Inoue’s Senshū Kaisha but later founded his own highly successful trading company, Fujita-gumi. Spent lavishly to acquire prize teawares, which formed the basis of the collection in the Fujita Art Museum founded by his son Heitarō.

Fukuchi Gen’ichirō (1841–1906). Born to a samurai family in Nagasaki. Joined Iwakura mission to Europe and United States in 1871. Prominent journalist for Tokyo nichi nichi. Early friend and business associate who shared Masuda’s fondness for tea and art collecting, though on a more modest scale.

Hachisuka Mochiaki (1848–1918). Former daimyo of Awa domain (Tokushima Prefecture). Studied in England. Played active role in Meiji industry and foreign affairs. Maintained close ties with Inoue Kaoru. Heir to a large art collection noted for its narrative handscrolls, including sections of The Tale of Genji and The Diary of Lady Murasaki, acquired by Masuda.

Hara Tomitarō (1868–1939). Tea name: Sankei. Born in Gifu Prefecture, son of Aoki Kyuei but later adopted into family of his wife. Modernized and expanded the raw silk business operated by Hara family, becoming one of the foremost businessmen in Yokohama. Avid art collector and gifted amateur painter. Acquired many old buildings which were rebuilt at Sankei’en, his Yokohama estate. Took up tea through Masuda’s influence and became active participant in Daishi kai as well as president after it became a nonprofit foundation in 1922.

Hatakeyama Issei (1881–1971). Tea name: Sokuō. Art collector and tea enthusiast influenced by Masuda’s taste and activities. Promoter of Daishi kai after Masuda’s retirement. Founder of the Hatakeyama Art Museum.

Inoue Kaoru (1836–1915). Tea name: Seigai. Count, 1884; Prince, 1907. Born into samurai family in Yamaguchi Prefecture (Chōshū). Sent to England to study in 1863, returning in 1864 to join in efforts to restore emperor to power and expel foreign traders. After 1868, served as minister of public works, public affairs, agriculture and commerce, finance, home affairs, and foreign affairs. Close ties with Mitsui Company. Avid art collector whose early interest in Buddhist art influenced Masuda.

Kashiwagi Ken’ichirō (?–1899). Born into a family of architects traditionally employed by the shogun. Became noted in Meiji era as professional connoisseur, art dealer, designer of teahouses, and consultant to Tokyo National Museum. Source of many works acquired by Masuda Takashi.

Kawasaki Shōzō (1837–1912). Born in Kagoshima Prefecture (Satsuma), son of a family in charge of domain finances. Pioneer in shipbuilding. Closely allied with government official Matsukata Masayoshi and his family. Amassed extensive art collection in Meiji and Taishō eras that was auctioned following his bankruptcy in 1927.

Kido Takayoshi (1833–1877). Born into samurai family in Yamaguchi Prefecture (Chōshū). Together with Inoue, played important role in Meiji government through posts as state councillor and education minister. A skilled calligrapher, patron of the arts, and enthusiast of both sencha and chanoyu.

Magoshi Kyōhei (1844–1933). Tea name: Keshō. Born in Okayama Prefecture. Joined Inoue’s Senshū Kaisha in 1873, remaining there after it became Mitsui Trading Company. In 1892, intensely jealous of Masuda’s professional success, left to become president of Nippon Brewery. Enthusiastic tea devotee and owner of a noted collection of teawares.

Masuda Eisaku (1865–1922). Tea name: Tamonten. Masuda’s youngest brother. Social gadfly. Director of Tamonten, Tokyo art gallery specializing in antiquities set up by Masuda and his Mitsui associates. Collector in his own right as well as agent for his brother.

Masuda Kokutoku (1852–1903). Tea name: Mui’an. Masuda Takashi’s younger brother. Trained in marine law and employed by Tokyo Marine Insurance Company. Took up practice of tea in the 1870s and prompted his brother to do so as well. Noted for his eye for art and small but fine collection of teawares, many of them reflecting wabi taste.

Masuda Takashi (1848–1938). Tea name: Don’ō. Baron, 1918. Born on Sado Island, son of shogunal official. As a youth worked for Townsend Harris. Traveled to Europe on shogunal mission in 1864. After Restoration, worked for Walsh, Hall & Co. and Senshū Kaisha before becoming director of Mitsui Trading Company in 1876. Appointed director of Mitsui Company in 1901. Retired in 1912 following Seimens scandal. Celebrated art collector and man of tea who influenced the activities and taste of many of his contemporaries as well as younger industrialist collectors.

Masuda Tarō (1875–1953). Eldest son of Masuda Takashi. Studied at Keio University and later in London and Antwerp. Director of Taiwan Sugar Manufacturing Company. Heir to his father’s art collection, but was more interested in modern theater for which he wrote numerous plays under pen name Tarō Kaja.

Matsuura Akira (1840–1908). Tea name: Shingetsu. Former daimyo of Hirado (Nagasaki Prefecture). Active in early Meiji tea world and in education. Instructor to Akinomiya (Emperor Taishō). Heir to fine collection of teawares.

Nezu Kaichirō (1860–1940). Tea name: Seizan. Born in Yamanashi Prefecture. Amassed fortune in Tōbu Railway Co., warehousing, gas, cement, and insurance enterprises. Collected avidly and widely during Taishō era. Founder of Nezu Art Museum in Tokyo’s Aoyama district. One of younger generation of collectors influenced by Masuda Takashi.

Ninagawa Noritane (1835–1882). Professional connoisseur, art dealer, and consultant to Tokyo National Museum. Participated with Kashiwagi in 1872 government survey of temples and shrines. Particularly knowledgeable in ceramics. Guided Edward Morse in the formation of his collection.

Oki Keiichirō (?–1941). Tea name: Rōdō. Noted designer of tea huts patronized by Masuda and men in Mitsui circle. Architect of Sunkaraku teahouse now in Philadelphia Art Museum.

Okura Kihachirō (1837–1928). Tea name: Tsuruhiko. Baron, 1915. Born into merchant family in Niigata Prefecture. Made fortune first as arms dealer and, after traveling to Europe in 1871–72, in foreign trade. Founder of diversified conglomerate similar to those of Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Yasuda, and Fujita. Amassed huge collection of antiquities that became basis for holdings of Okura Shūkōkan.

Shibusawa Eiichi (1841–1931). Baron, 1900; Viscount, 1920. Born into wealthy farming family in Saitama Prefecture. Became shogunal retainer and went to Europe in 1867–68. Employed with Inoue in Finance Ministry from 1868 to 1873, hut later refused government posts. Became banker, promoter of Western-style business practices, and socially responsible businessman. As adviser to Mitsui Company, collaborated with Masuda in many business enterprises but only mildly interested in chanoyu and art collecting.

Takahashi Yoshio (1861–1937). Tea name: Sōan. Graduate of Keio University. Worked as journalist before joining Mitsui Bank and later becoming director of Mitsukoshi Department Store. After retiring, returned to journalism, writing regular columns chronicling tea gatherings hosted by and for industrialists tea for Kokumin no tomo. Noted connoisseur, man of tea, and confidant of Masuda Takashi.

Tanaka Shinbi (1875–1975). Trained by his father, a disciple of Reizei Tamechika. Noted restorer, copiest of narrative handscrolls and other arts of Heian period. Enjoyed patronage of Masuda, whose scrolls he copied.

Wakai Kenzaburō (1834–1921). One of founders of Kiritsu Kōshō Kaisha. Art dealer with special interest in teawares, active in both Japan and the West. Maintained close ties with Masuda.

Yasuda Zenjirō (1838–1921). Tea name: Shōō. Born in Toyama Prefecture to peasant family who had bought samurai rank and the right to officiate at domainal tea gatherings. Founder of Yasuda Bank and later a diversified conglomerate with investments in railroads, insurance, real estate, electricity, and gas that rivaled Mitsui’s, Mitsubishi’s, and Fujita’s. Devoted man of tea and author of tea diary covering Meiji and Taishō eras.

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