International studio (50.1913)

Modern Tendencies in Japanese Sculpture




simplified form which should appeal only to the
intellect and not consent to flatter the sense.”

There are many instances of this even in Japanese
drawing, which developed with a strong idealistic

They seem to have taken heed to
Rodin’s caution not to reduce
Nature to “ contours so dry, cold,
and meagre that they have nothing
in common with the truth.”
It is but fair for us to acknow-
ledge that our sculptors, like our
painters in oil, labour under a great
disadvantage in that they are unable
to get good models. They com-
plain that it is impossible to find a
model with well-developed physical
beauty. This seems to be espe-
cially the case with our females.
Beautiful curves and graceful lines
are said to be extremely difficult to
find in our wTomen, though charm
and grace are not lacking in their
lines and movements when robed
in the kimono, which is well adapted
to obliterate the natural shape of
the body. This, indeed, is a great
disadvantage when dealing with
the nude. However realistic some
work may be, it often conveys
an impression of imperfection.


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