Two Wrestlers: Scroll (Kakemono)

Description

Isamu Noguchi
United States, 1904–1988
Two Wrestlers: Scroll (Kakemono)
1930
Hanging scroll, ink on paper
Museum purchase, 1948/1.330

Though he is known primarily for his sculptural work, Isamu
Noguchi produced a significant group of ink drawings while living
in Beijing in 1930. There he studied Chinese ink painting with
noted artist Qi Baishi (1864–1957). Despite Noguchi’s love for the
city, he stayed for just eight months, and while he vowed to return,
Japan’s invasion and occupation of Manchuria in 1931 prevented
this. Noguchi’s drawing reflects both his artistic training in Europe
and his interest in East Asian materials and techniques. Two
Wrestlers makes use of the European tradition of studying human
anatomy through sketching nude models, while also incorporating
the East Asian tradition of ink painting on paper mounted as a
hanging scroll.

Fall 2022 Gallery Rotation 
__________

Isamu Noguchi and Qi Baishi: Beijing 1930
May 18, 2013 – September 1, 2013
Isamu Noguchi
United States, 1904–1988
Two Wrestlers: Scroll (Kakemono)
1930
Hanging scroll, ink on paper
Museum purchase, University of Michigan Museum of Art, 1948/1.330