The museum was built on the site of the former residence of the master of modern Japanese painting, Kiyokata Kaburaki, in Yukinoshita, Kamakura, where he passed away. The Japanese-style building stands out in a quiet residential area of the ancient capital, Kamakura.
Kaburagi Kiyokata was born in Kanda, Tokyo in 1878. He grew up surrounded by literature from an early age, and began his career as an illustrator. Later he turned to hand-painted paintings, and his works, which mainly depict pure and graceful women, the lively lives of ordinary people, portraits, and the literary works of Higuchi Ichiyo and Izumi Kyoka, whom he loved, give the impression of empathy and compassion for the people of the city. His connection with Kamakura dates back to 1946, when he settled in Zaimokuza. In 1954, the year he received the Order of Culture, he established his studio here in Yukinoshita, where he lived until his death in 1972 at the age of 93. In his later years, Kiyokata described his state of mind as "playing with the customs of the people," and he created many works that dealt with the themes of ordinary people's lives. He left behind many Japanese paintings full of emotion, as well as essays written in an elegant style.
In 1994, his family donated his artworks, documents, land and buildings to the city of Kamakura with the intention of passing on his work and the place where he created his works to future generations. In response, the museum opened as a memorial in April 1998. We hope that all visitors will have a relaxing time while remembering Seikata's art and life.
