Léonard Foujita (1886-1968) Japenese, French

Biography
Léonard Foujita, born Tsuguharu Foujita in Tokyo, represents one of the most singular voices of 20th-century art—a visionary who seamlessly fused Eastern discipline with Western modernism. Arriving in Paris in 1913, Foujita swiftly became a celebrated figure within the École de Paris, distinguishing himself through a masterful technique that harmonized Japanese ink traditions with the bold, modern sensibility of the avant-garde.

With his refined line, milky-white grounds, and an unerring eye for elegance, Foujita created works that transcend borders and schools. His female portraits, ethereal and enigmatic, and his whimsical depictions of cats—rendered with near-scientific precision—reveal both technical virtuosity and quiet lyricism. Beyond his technical mastery, Foujita’s identity as a cultural bridge brought a distinctive richness to modern art, challenging conventional narratives of East and West.

At Bailly Gallery, where excellence is measured not only by rarity but by the timeless dialogue between eras and aesthetics, Foujita’s work is recognized as a confluence of cultures—where tradition meets modernity in a language uniquely his own. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of transcultural creativity and the enduring allure of artistic individuality.

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