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  2. Chiura Obata papers, 1891-2000, bulk 1942-1945
  3. Series 3: Writings, 1924-circa 1964, circa 1986

Chiura Obata papers, 1891-2000, bulk 1942-1945

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Series 3: Writings, 1924-circa 1964, circa 1986
0.3 Linear feet
Boxes 1, 6

This series contains writings by Chiura Obata, including 3 diaries, mostly from his time at Topaz incarceration camp; handwritten and typescript drafts of lectures; notes; and essays. Most of the writings, especially the lectures, are about art, but there are some writings about his experience inside the incarceration camps. Some writings were probably delivered to classes, but it is not clear if they were lectures or essays. There is a batch of Japanese and English translations of captions for a series of paintings by Obata. Also included in this series are writings by others on issues related to second generation Japanese Americans, as well as translations of the Japanese text accompanying Obata's paintings. Many of the writings are in Japanese.
The diaries are at the beginning of the series, followed by writings in alphabetical order by title. The remainder of the series is loosely arranged by type of writing such as captions for paintings, lectures, notes, reports, and writings by others.
The bulk of this series has been digitized. Materials which have not been digitized include blank pages, and duplicates.
Description Container Select
Diary 1 from Topaz, circa 1943
1
66
Diary 2 from Topaz, 1943
1
67
Diary from Topaz and St. Louis Resettlement, circa 1943
1
68
"Art and Individuality" Lecture Notes for University of California Student Exhibition, 1933
1
69
"Boku-ga" and Explanations of Other Painting Techniques, circa 1930-circa 1950
1
70
"Dots and Lines", circa 1933-circa 1935
1
71
"Individuality and Painting", 1933
1
72
"Japanese Architecture and Its Original Background", 1933
1
73
"Kiin-Seido: The Fundamental Idea of Japanese Painting", circa 1933-1935
1
74
"Lecture on Japanese Painting", circa 1930-circa 1950
1
75
"Natural Rhythm and Its Harmony," Address at California School of Fine Art San Francisco Society of Women Artists, 1933
1
76
"Nature of California As I See It", 1928
1
77
"Self-Reflection in Art", 1935
1
78
"Sumi (Ink-Stick) and the Oriental Arts" and "Bokushoku, Sumi Iro", 1935
1
79
"Three Fundamental Strokes", circa 1930-circa 1950
1
80
"The Three Great Essentials in Art Production", circa 1933-circa 1935
1
81
"Two Methods of Gyotaku", 1956
Also includes correspondence.
1
82
"Wood Block Prints", circa 1936
1
83
"'Ye-fude' Japanese Painting Brushes", circa 1930-circa 1950
1
84
Captions for Paintings (Undated), circa 1960-circa 1965
6
14
Captions for Series of 105 Paintings by Obata (Japanese text), 1960
6
15
Captions for Series of 105 Paintings by Obata (English Translation), 1960
6
16
Captions for Series of 12 Paintings by Obata (Japanese and English), 1965
6
17
Lecture Notes, 1933-1938
1
85
Lecture Series on Perham W. Nahl and Ukiyoe Artists, 1936
1
86
Lectures, Speeches, and Other Writings from Topaz, circa 1942-circa 1943
1
87
Miscellaneous Notes, Artist Statements, Writings, circa 1927-circa 1935
6
18
Notes and Outlines for Materials and Pigments in Japanese Painting, circa 1930-circa 1950
1
88
Notes, Lists, and License Related to Gyotaku (Fishing), 1924, 1945-circa 1964
1
89
"Report to Mayor C. W. Culp", circa 1943
1
90
Statement on Forced Relocation and Activities (Incomplete), circa 1945-circa 1960
1
91
Translation of Tanforan and Topaz Paintings and Poems, circa 1986
Translation from Japanese to Romaji and English. Romanji refers to the romanization of Japanese using Latin script. This file also includes some English translations.
1
92
Writings About Topaz Relocation Center and School, circa 1942-circa 1943
1
93
Writings by Others - "America that Yumeji Saw" by Unknown, circa 1995
6
19
Writings by Others - Excerpt of Essay on Sumi by D. T. Suzuki, circa 1930s
1
94
Writings by Others - Lectures on Japanese Art by Unknown, circa 1930-circa 1935
Lectures possibly by Perham Nahl.
1
95
Writings by Others - Notes on Chiura Obata's Lectures by Beth Blake, 1934
1
96
Writings by Others - Writings on the Nisei (2nd Generation Japanese Americans) by Various Authors, circa 1935-circa 1942
1
97

Make a Request

  • To request an appointment to view materials, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reading Room" button. Please note, you will receive the full box.
  • To request reproductions, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reproduction" button.