Shōmin Unno

Background

Shōmin Unno was born in 1844 in Mito, Japan.

Education

Shōmin Unno learned the art of metal carving from his uncle Bisei Unno and Shohei Hagiya. Later he studied painting from Baikei Adachi. In 1868 he went to Tokyo to learn chasing.

Career

The business of Shōmin Unno dwindled when the government issued a ban against the wearing of swords. He thereupon switched over to carving birds and flowers in the style of Morichika Karigane. In 1890 he was appointed professor at Tokyo Academy of Fine Arts.

Achievements

• Shōmin's works were awarded a prize and his technique was acclaimed at the 1st Naikoku Hakurankai (National Exhibition). In the 2nd Naikoku Hakurankai his framed pictures of rice-ears and sparrows and a casket in which was engraved a picture of Rakan-Hankasonja (disciples of Buddha) also secured prizes. Later, in 1888 made a cloisonne medal for the Empress and in 1889 gave a demonstration of his art to Emperor Meiji at Nihon Fine Arts Association.

Works

More photos

• engraving

  • A tobacco pipe

  • A panel depicting fukurokuju

  • Okimono figure of Monju Bosatsu

  • Baluster vase

  • A rare kagamibuta netsuke

Membership

• Imperial Art Board , Japan

Connections

Bisei Unno was the uncle of Shōmin.

Uncle:

Bisei Unno