Product Description

7288 Katsuhiko Sato (b.1940)

A four-fold paper screen painted in ink and colour on a buff ground with six Jizo

Signed: Sanjuni Katsuhiko ga (painting by 32 year-old Katsuhiko*)

Japan 20th century *1972

Dimensions: H. 152.5cm x W. 290cm (60¼” x 114¼”)

Katsuhiko Sato was born in Dalian, China and repatriated to Japan in 1947. He studied art at Tottori University. During his studies he became critically ill with tuberculosis and nearly lost his life. This traumatic experience led him to reassess the value of existence and the importance of joy in life. In 1963 he became an elementary art teacher at Tezukayama Gakuen School while continuing to paint and exhibit his work both in Japan and Europe. His idiosyncratic style combines painting and calligraphy inspired by Buddhist philosophy and tradition. Sato retired from teaching in 1986 and now lives and works in Nara, Japan.

Jizo Bosatsu is one of the most beloved Japanese divinities and a bodhisattva who is believed to save all beings during the era between the death of Shaka (Gautama Buddha) and the rise of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya, a future Buddha). He vowed not to achieve Buddhahood until all are saved, and thus is represented as a simple monk and embodies compassion and universal salvation. Jizo guards travellers safely on their way, protects warriors in battle, watches over the safety of children, families and women during pregnancy. As a guardian of children, he is often depicted in an endearing manner to resemble the children he protects.

In Japan, Six Jizo are a popular representation as Jizo’s powers to save the souls reborn in the transmigration extend to all the six realms: hell, hungry ghosts, animals, Asura (demigod), humans and heaven. The belief of Jizo has existed in Japan since the eighth century, becoming widely worshiped by the masses at the end of the Heian period when people sought salvation along with the rise of Pure Land (Amida) Buddhism.