Haruyo Morita's Paintings

Haruyo Morita, born in 1945 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is a renowned artist whose captivating paintings transport viewers to a fantasy world of Japanese beauties, ancient traditions, and oriental culture. Her artistic journey began under the guidance of Master Husuki, where she delved into Japanese classical drawing from an early age. In her early years, Morita's talent shone bright as she earned accolades at the Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1962 and the Dai-cho Ten Exhibition. Following a mandatory apprenticeship, she ventured into the realm of kimono design, refining her skills for almost a decade before transitioning to painting. Morita's unique style seamlessly combines classical Japanese art with her modern interpretation, creating a mesmerizing series of paintings featuring elegant, graceful, and mysterious beauties adorned in vibrant silks. Her oeuvre primarily revolves around the central theme of women in beautiful kimonos, portraying enchanting images of geisha, maiko, oiran, and noble ladies from various historical eras.

In 1977, Morita took a significant step in her career by moving to London. Her artistic prowess garnered attention, leading to exhibitions in prominent cities such as London, New York, Honolulu, and Los Angeles. Her paintings, reproductions of which include Giclee prints, puzzles, calendars, desktop wallpapers, and posters, became widely cherished by art enthusiasts. Morita's art is deeply influenced by the Kabuki style of theater and the Edo period in Japanese culture. Her Twelve-Ply Kimono, a masterpiece from the Shuwa era, reflects the richness of Japanese artistic heritage. It is now proudly displayed at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a testament to her global impact on the art scene.

In Morita's paintings, one can witness the representation of geisha, yujo, and noble ladies from the Heian era (794 - 1185). These depictions offer a glimpse into the intricate societal norms of that time, where noble ladies covered their faces in public, and geishas were the sole exception to this rule. Morita's exploration of the Heian era extends to the beauty standards prevalent during that time. Women idealized a round face, high forehead, and white skin. The emphasis on long, black, and smooth hair, known as kurokami, was a defining feature of beauty, symbolizing a rejection of imported Chinese fashions.

Geishas, as depicted by Morita, were not only entertainers but also masters of applied psychology. Their ability to read thoughts and emotions, combined with a disciplined and joyful demeanor, made them unique. Morita captures the essence of a geisha's life – a pursuit of pleasure in every moment, whether through a simple drink or a sophisticated conversation. At 78 years old, Morita remains a beloved figure in the art world. Her legacy extends beyond being a remarkable artist; she is also celebrated as a connoisseur of national art and a kimono designer with a distinctive style. As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Morita's journey stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Japanese art and culture.