Munetsugu Satomi JAPAN Japanese Government Railways

This is a rare original poster from 1937 with rich deep colors. It is mounted on linen and unframed. Speed embodied Satomi’s 1937 poster for Japanese Government Railways celebrating speed and modernity with an Art Deco style. A design masterpiece, the image uses radiating diagonal lines to suggest a sense of speeding past the landscape. One of the image’s focal points is the single cherry tree that appears to toss in the wake of a train. The tree joins forces with a nearby Japanese flag as unmistakable visual representations of Japan. The Osaka-born artist studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris. Satomi arrived in Paris in 1922, and was quickly recognized as an exceptional talent. He was lucky enough to work for a little while with Cassandre in his studio, and the master’s influence on the young Japanese artist is clear. He went on to a successful career, fielding commissions both in France and Japan.

Height:  39 in. (99.06 cm)

Width:  25 in. 63.5 cm)