山下久馬太 Yamashita Kumata Rare Meiji Japanese Artist

Yamashita Kumata (山下久馬太), a rare and lesser-known artist of the Meiji Period, graduated from the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts in July 1886 (Meiji 19). This institution, established during a transformative era in Japanese history, was instrumental in shaping modern Japanese art by blending traditional techniques with Western influences. At a time when Japan was rapidly modernizing, the school aimed to cultivate a new generation of artists who could navigate the convergence of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Yamashita, like many of his peers, was trained in both Eastern and Western painting styles, equipping him with the technical skills and conceptual understanding to contribute to Japan’s evolving art scene.

The Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts was part of a broader effort to preserve Japan’s cultural heritage while embracing Western artistic methods. Graduates from its Tōsō and Sōsō art departments were known for their dual expertise, a hallmark of Meiji-era artists. Yamashita’s education at this institution would have provided him with a strong foundation to engage with the dynamic artistic landscape of his time.

Two postal cards sent by Yamashita offer a glimpse into his life and work. The first, postmarked January 2, 1890, lists his return address as Kyoto Jinjō Shihan Gakkō (京都尋常師範学校), or Kyoto Normal School, a teacher training institution established in 1876 (Meiji 9) to address the need for qualified educators during Japan’s educational reforms. The second card, dated June 15, 1891, shows his address in Kyoto’s Kamikyō Ward (京都市上京区). Both cards bear the postmark “Yamashiro Kyoto” (山城京都). The 1891 card is addressed to Maeda Yoshihiko, identified as an oil painter (油画師, Aburaeshi), and appears to be a letter of inquiry related to art, specifically concerning the use and significance of colors.

NOTE: The third postcard displayed here, labeled as "sample," is included from a separate listing. It serves as evidence to demonstrate the connection between Yamashita Kumata (山下久馬太) and Hikita Keizō (疋田敬蔵), illustrating that the two were acquainted with each other.

The sole reference to Yamashita Kumata’s identity as an artist is a painting he created in 1887, titled 臥竜松真写: 臥竜松在于備前和気郡大内村一ノ井氏庭中 (True Depiction of the Garyū Pine: The Garyū Pine Located in the Garden of the Ichii Family in Ōuchi Village, Wake District, Bizen). Yamashita’s role in the artistic circles of the Meiji era is further highlighted by his close association with Hikita Keizō (疋田敬蔵), a Western-style painter and educator who studied under Antonio Fontanesi at the Kobu Bijutsu Gakko, as evidenced by our postal card dated May 22, 1891, from Yamashiro, Kyoto, which bears both of their names as senders. 

This card not only confirms their acquaintance but also suggests a collaborative relationship, possibly extending to Maeda Yoshihiko, reflecting their shared artistic spirit. Additionally, Yamashita’s influence is underscored by his work as a drawing instructor for Kojima Torajirō (児島虎次郎, 1881–1929), further cementing his place within the creative networks of the time.