ABSTRACT
Artists in Japan have always had more fun than the other people, but, after all, there is no need in confining this observation to the Japanese. Unfortunately, little is known about the intimate life of Japanese painters. There is one story told about Kyosai who, having dined sumptuously at an inn, felt inspired to decorate the walls and ceiling of the room. When the inn-keeper saw the results, she howled that her place was ruined; but when the name of the artist was whispered to her, she changed her tune. How universally typical that she did not know the work was good until she discovered the painter's name I
It is doubtful if any work, especially in applied art, will ever be produced in Japan under any conditions to equal that which was created when fostered under the feudal system. Each feudal lord had his own fighting force, his own servants, his own farm hands and his artists. An artist could work if he wished for two or three years on one small netsuke, melting his failures when they did not satisfy him. When he felt that he had done his best, the finished work was presented to his master. His living was assured, and his entire energy went into production. Others painted or created designs to be stitched into the beautiful garments worn at that time. Armor and swords had to be made beautiful as well as useful. What more could a creative mind wish for? The superb examples which remain from feudal days are now cherished in museums throughout the world.
