Profile
Okayama Seikyo (1895–1977) was a Japanese painter born in Hiroshima.
He studied under Seihō Takeuchi（＊１） and devoted his life to creating sacred paintings, Buddhist paintings, and portraits.
His best-known work, The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan, took 15 years to complete and was presented to Pope Pius XI in 1931.
Although he left more than 100 works, few records of his life remain.
He worked quietly and sincerely, without seeking fame or recognition.
＊１）Takeuchi Seihō
Takeuchi Seihō was one of the leading Japanese-style painters of the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa periods.
He was highly regarded for his refined brushwork and his deep sensitivity to nature, animals, and landscape.
Okayama Seikyo studied painting under Takeuchi Seihō, whose artistic influence helped shape his early training and perspective as a painter.
Seihō’s legacy remains an important part of modern Japanese painting.
Biography
- 1895 — Born in Hiroshima City, Japan
- 1919 — Graduated from the Painting Department of Kyoto City School of Arts and Crafts
- 1930 — Received baptism at Kawaramachi Catholic Church in Kyoto
- 1931 — Presented The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan to Pope Pius XI in Rome
- 1950 — Exhibited his work at the Missionary Art Exhibition held at the Vatican for the Holy Year
- 1977 — Passed away at the age of 81