Maruki Suma
Exhibited at the Inten Spring Exhibition, 1955
Donated by Maruki Iri
Maruki Suma (1875–1956), the mother of the painter Maruki Iri, was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. She began painting for the first time in her seventies with encouragement from her son, Iri (known for his depictions of the atomic bomb), and her daughter-in-law, Maruki Toshi (née Akamatsu). Her subjects revolved around the natural environment of the satoyama she had spent her life in, ranging from dogs and cats to flowers and fish. Her bright, colourful works were recognized at the Nihon Bijutsu Exhibition, and she was nominated as a friend of the institution. Her simple, child-like style reveals a vivid imagination and relaxed gentleness.