Takeuchi Gyuichi

JAPAN, Tokyo; Meiji to Taisho period (1868–1926)

Takeuchi Gyuichi, also known as Kanegoro or Kuon, was a sculptor from Asakusa, Edo (present day Tokyo). In 1869, he began to study ivory carving under Master Ryusen Horinouchi, and later he learned from Shuraku Kawamoto. Takeuchi was conferred the name Kawashu in 1878 and officially became a professional ivory carver. His works won him several awards at various exhibitions, including the 2nd National Industrial Exposition in 1881.
He was deeply moved by the Buddhist statues from Kofukuji Temple in Nara when he saw them at an exhibition on ancient art in 1880. Afterwards, Takeuchi decided to sculpt wooden statues. He remained in Nara for two years to study the ancient statues of the temples and started creating copies. For two years from 1885 to 1886, his works received awards at the Nara Exhibition. In 1889, alongside other prominent artists, he founded the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (present day Tokyo University of the Arts), where he worked as a professor of woodcarving. Takeuchi was elected to work as an artist in the imperial academy in 1906, and the following year he was appointed as a judge for the Tokyo Industrial Exhibition.
Takeuchi’s works present traditional themes carved in a modern and realistic style. His sculpture of Emperor Jimmu received an award in the 3rd National Industrial Exhibition, and in 1893, he participated in the Chicago World’s Fair in the USA with his Heavenly Being sculpture. Other works by Takeuchi include statues of Vimalakirti, Skanda, and Master Sakurai Keitoku, as well as a copy of a wood canopy, all of which are collected in the University Art Museum at the Tokyo University of the Art.