# Naoto Nakamura "Lila" Original Gouache Painting with Author's Signature/Inscription - Art - Portrait - Beautiful Condition *○中村直人 「リラ」 肉筆 ガッシュ 作者直筆サイン/裏書有 芸術 絵画 人物画 美品 なかむら なおんど 真作保証品 * - **Auction ID:** l1190324462 - **Status:** Sold (ended auction) - **Category:** Hobbies and Culture > Art > Drawings and Paintings > Portrait painting - **Brand:** Unknown - **Price (JPY):** ¥110,000 (sold) - **Estimated all-in price (USD):** $798.95 — item $718.95 + Rinkya commission $65.00 + handling $15.00 - **Shipping:** Ships from Japan. Wins arrive at Rinkya's Tokyo warehouse; multiple items are combined into one international shipment, billed at actual carrier cost (NOT included in the all-in price). International transit is typically 1–2 weeks once shipped. ## Description Thank you for viewing this auction listing. This is an original gouache piece titled 'Lila' by the master Naoto Nakamura, guaranteed to be authentic. (Should it be proven that it is not an authentic piece, returns will be accepted.) This exquisite piece, cherished by art enthusiasts, is in outstanding condition. The white areas seen in the images are reflections during photography. The frame has some scratches. **Size** Frame: Height approx. 44cm, Width approx. 37.2cm, Thickness approx. 5.2cm Artwork: Height approx. 21.5cm, Width approx. 14.5cm (measured from the top of the frame) Nakamura's masterpieces are well-known for their use of opaque watercolor paint, gouache. He extensively used gouache's thick application properties, layering paint to intentionally create cracking effects and expose underlying colors. This unique technique yields a deep painted surface, contributing to his acclaim. His 1953 solo exhibition in Paris received overwhelming praise, leading local newspapers to declare "Naoto Nakamura has come to conquer Paris." Nakamura, who transitioned from being a sculptor to a master of portrait painting in France, was born in 1905 in Nagano Prefecture. After studying under sculptor Hakurei Uchida, he debuted as a sculptor at the Japan Art Academy Exhibition in 1926 and won numerous awards throughout his career. Invited to France by Tsuguharu Fujita, he ultimately shifted to painting, achieving international success and acclaim throughout Europe and the U.S. Despite facing challenges in his personal life, including health issues, Nakamura established an atelier in Paris and continued to create art for thirteen years. After returning to Japan, he remained active in the art scene, winning major awards until his passing in 1981. His artworks are praised for their dynamic lines and original use of textured support materials. Exhibitions of his work frequently attract significant interest, and his legacy continues to thrive, evidenced by retrospectives and collections held in major museums across Japan. **Nakamura Naoto's Biography** At age 15, Nakamura moved to Tokyo to study sculpture. Under the guidance of Yoshida Hakurei, he trained for seven years. In 1926, he made his debut at the Japan Art Institute. After moving to Paris in 1952, he experienced a pivotal turning point in his career, transitioning to painting. In 1953, his first solo exhibition in Paris was a remarkable success, establishing him in the local art scene. Upon returning to Japan in 1964, he continued to maintain a vibrant artistic presence until his death in 1981. Product condition assessments can vary by individual, so please purchase only if you are understanding of this. The colors in the images reasonably reflect the actual artwork; however, slight variations may occur. Shipping will be expedited via Yamato Transport from Tokyo. Returns and refunds are not accepted except in the following cases: - An item other than what was won is received. - A guaranteed original piece is proven not to be authentic. - A piece listed as handwritten is not handwritten. Please contact us within seven days of the item's arrival if any issues arise. ## Collector note Naoto Nakamura (1905–1981) is a significant figure in mid-20th-century Japanese modernism, bridging sculpture and painting across Paris and Tokyo's art scenes. His gouache technique—deliberately layering opaque watercolor to create intentional cracking and color exposure—is a hallmark of his mature style and directly reflects his sculptural training in dimensional, tactile mark-making. Original works from his productive 1950s–1970s period remain relatively scarce in the secondary market, especially signed pieces with documented provenance; museum retrospectives and Japanese institutional holdings have solidified his canonical status. Condition here is notable—minor frame wear on a domestic Japanese sale typically indicates authentic aging without aggressive restoration, which collectors value as evidence of uninterrupted custody. ## Images - https://auctions.c.yimg.jp/images.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/image/dr000/auc0106/user/7ba711375549cb5c2fda9f7b42bd5b6d5fcee2ba32f12c3a751f1448326b84d8/i-img1118x1200-17509262714025qclbxd689.jpg ## Links - View on Rinkya: https://www.rinkya.com/discover/item/naoto-nakamura-lila-original-gouache-painting-with-author-s-signature-l1190324462 - Find live items like this: https://www.rinkya.com/discover/live --- Rinkya is a proxy bidding & shopping service for buyers outside Japan. Prices in USD are estimates that include Rinkya commission and handling; the final yen price may change while an auction is live.