KITAMURA Seibô

北村西望 (1884 – 1987)

Japanese sculptor, known for the “Peace Statue” in the Nagasaki Peace Park, who has received numerous awards for his work | 1884 born in Nagasaki prefecture | 1907 graduates from sculpture study at “Kyoto City University of Arts” | 1907-1912 studies at the “Tokyo School of Fine Arts” | 1915 begins full-time sculpting after military service | 1921 becomes professor of the Plastic Art Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts | 1953 builds private studio in Inokashira Park, Tôkyô | 1955 completes “Peace Statue” in Nagasaki | 1958 awards the “Order of Cultural Merit” | 1969 becomes chairman of the “Nitten Association” | 1980 becomes honorary citizen of Tôkyô | 1981 honorary citizen of Nagasaki prefecture | 1987 died in Tôkyô (at the age of 102)