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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CHIURA OBATA
    Born in Sendai, Japan, November 18, 1885. At the Age of seven started training of freehand painting under tutelago of Moniwa Chikusen. In 1899 went to Tokyo and studied under Murats Tanryo,  master of classical Tosa school, also under Terasaki Koygyo of Shiuyo school, and Hashimoto Gaho of Kano School. During these years took trips with the masters to the most important historic places of Japan for study of the treasures of the old masters; painting, soulp-tur, murlas, and arohiteature, also to study scenery, landscape design, and handiocraft. In autum of 1899 submitted first painting to the annual exhibition of painting at Uyeno Park, Tokyo and received honorable mention. Since then sent paintings to ever spring and autum exhibition under the auspices of [?]aiga Kyoshin-Kai,, Bijutsu Kyo Kai, Biuitau in Ten and [?]ensei-Kai Ten. Also exhibited in leading exhibitions and several traveling exhibitions throughout Japan and received numerous prizes adn special medals. In 1900 became member of [?]ensei-Murata Tanryo when he was commissioned to paint sixty screens in Konpira Temple, Shikoku Island; These are now among the national art treasures of Japan and thirty-six of them (Historical painting 2' x 3') were printed and used in History classes in High school.

     At the end of 1903 came to San Francisco, and immediately started on sketching tour all through California.

     During the San Francisco earthquake April 18, 1906, made about sixty sketches in water color of the disaster' subsequently, during period of rehabilitation, worked as illustrator for both the City's Japanese newspapers -- The New World and The Japanese American News.
     
     When the [?]ortola Festival was held in San Francisco Oct. 19-23, 1909, was commissioned by fellow contrymen to decorate the Union Square. Commission was also received from S. & G. Gump Co., famous San Francisco art dealers, to decorate two of their art display rooms with Japanese murals and to decorate the Oriental art room for G. T. Harsh Co. in San Francisco.

     From 1915 - 1917 accepted the position of illustrator and cover page designer for the magasine "Japan" published under the editorship of James King Steele for the Toyo Kisen Kaisha Steamship Company, during which time turned out about 3,000 illustrations and numerous cover designs. 
      In 1921 organizes East Feat Art Society in San Francisco and put up one month exhibition in Fine Art Building, Marina. The Society was composed of Cosmopolitan artists. 
      
      About this time designed and decorated oriental rooms for Emporium Department Store; Japanese and Chinese rooms for the City of Paris; special Jewel room for G. T. Marsh Co. in Santa Barbara; and decorated the Oriental display room for G. T. March Company located in Hotel Ambassador; made five. 


Transcription Notes:
every [?] is the same unknown charcater