Kaburaki Kiyokata Memorial Art Museum was constructed in 1998 on the site situated in Yukinoshita, Kamakura, where Kaburaki Kiyokata, a great painter of the modern Nihonga (Japanese-style painting), lived the last part of his life. The museum is a refined, elegant Japanese-style house which is in a quiet, residential area.

　Kaburaki Kiyokata was born in 1878 in Kanda, Tokyo. From an early age he had lots of chances to be familiar with literature and art. He began his career as an illustrator by drawing for books and magazines. Later he turned to painting in the Japanese style, and created many works focusing on graceful young women, and the lively life of the common people in town. He also painted portraits and scenes from the novels of Higuchi Ichiyo and Izumi Kyoka. All these works show sympathy and affection for the common people in town.

　His relation with Kamakura began in 1946, when he settled in Zaimokuza. In 1954 he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit and he built an atelier here at Yukinoshita. He spent the rest of his life here until his death at the age of 93 in 1972.

　Kiyokata referred to his own sentiments as “I wander around the thoughts of people” and painted numerous works from the daily life of common people. He created works rich in the artistic effect in the Japanese-style painting and also wrote many essays in an elegant style.

　In 1994, his bereaved family donated his artworks, reference materials and his residence including land to Kamakura City, with the hope of passing down them to the next generation. Thus in April 1998 the memorial museum opened.

　We hope that you appreciate his paintings, think of his life, and relax for a while.