Hidemaru was famed for his extremely simple paintings of nature. The cluster of brushstrokes represents a mountain; the faint circular brushstroke indicates the hazy moon. Despite the painting's economy of brushwork, it seems to manifest a real landscape.
About the Artist
Deguchi Hidemaru was one of the early leaders of the Omoto-kyo spiritual movement. He was a friend and an advisor to Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of Aikido. Hidemaru was imprisoned for four years during the supression of the Omoto-kyo in WWII, and severely tortured. As a consequence, Hidemaru had a nervous breakdown, and lived in quiet retirement after his release from prison at the end of the War. Hidemaru devoted the rest of his long-life to the fine arts--poetry, pottery making, painting, and calligraphy. Hidemaru's brushwork is especially admired for its purity and simplicity.
Other Scrolls by Deguchi Hidemaru:
Shinto Rooster
