“1894 Seibo Self-Portrait” is etched into the shoulder of this statue. We are standing before the \u897f\u671b\u81ea\u523b\u50cf Statue. It is a bronze self-portrait by the sculptor Kitamura Seibo.
Kitamura Seibo was born in 1884. He died in 1987 at the age of 102. That’s quite a life. He is best known for his Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park.
Seibo studied sculpture at Kyoto City University of Arts. Later, he earned a second degree from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. He became a professor there in 1921. Four years later, he joined the Japan Art Academy.
Seibo’s Peace Statue stands 10 meters tall. It commemorates the atomic bomb victims. The statue points to the sky. It warns of the bomb’s threat. One hand is outstretched for peace. The eyes are closed in prayer. One leg is ready for action.
He was a prolific artist. It is estimated that he completed over 600 works in his 102 years.
Interestingly, Kitamura Seibo competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics. He entered his work in the “Mixed Sculpturing” category. However, he did not win a medal.
The \u897f\u671b\u81ea\u523b\u50cf Statue is not his only work. You can view more of his pieces at Shimabara Castle. The castle’s yagura is a museum dedicated to his life.
Kitamura Seibo’s birthplace is now a museum. It sits on a hill overlooking rice fields. The museum features a walking garden. Several of his works are displayed there.
He was also a renowned calligrapher. His style is described as scratchy. It reminds people of calligraphy done with bamboo.
His calligraphy reflects his artistic journey. He believed in starting with a dream. Nurturing it with passion. Achieving it through obligation. These words inspire even today.