Takeshi Hayashi (1896–1975) was born in Tokyo and was a leading figure in the Western-style art scene of the Shōwa period. His subjects included figures, flowers and landscapes, and he is particularly renowned for his depictions of women and roses. Through the use of bold, strong outlines and rich, textured colours, he captured forms on a grand scale, developing a style that transcended realism to project the very presence of his subjects onto the canvas.

His works possess a power whereby figures and flowers do not simply occupy the background of the canvas, but seem to advance towards the viewer. The colours—such as red and blue—are vivid, and the simplification of form serves to bring out the individuality of his subjects more clearly. The appeal of his work lies in the way it conveys both a sense of grandeur and splendour simultaneously.