Meiji Hashimoto (1904–1991) was a painter born in Shimane Prefecture who was active in the Japanese art world during the Shōwa period. He studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, where he developed his own distinctive style, focusing primarily on figure painting. His artistic style is characterised by a combination of concisely organised forms, strong contour lines and vivid colour fields; he left behind numerous modern, vibrant portraits that differed somewhat from traditional Japanese painting. He also undertook large-scale works, such as screen paintings for temples and public commissions, and was awarded the Order of Culture in 1974.

The appeal of Meiji Hashimoto’s works lies in his ability to bring out a strong sense of presence not by detailing the figures’ features, but by boldly synthesising their forms. In his depictions of women, there is a dignified tension within their refined beauty, whilst the colours of their attire and backgrounds lend a sense of cohesion to the entire composition. His works appear to strive to present the figures as modern sculptural forms, whilst utilising the materials of traditional Japanese painting. I believe that the strong individuality that remains within these clean, uncluttered compositions is the unique charm of Meiji Hashimoto.