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Matsukata Kojiro facts for kids

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Entrance plaza at National Museum of Western Art.
In this Japanese name, the family name is Matsukata.

Matsukata Kōjirō (松方 幸次郎, January 17, 1865 - June 24, 1950) was a Japanese businessman and art collector. His collection of French art is the core of Japan's National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) in Ueno, central Tokyo.

Background

Matsukata was the son of Matsukata Masayoshi who was a Prime Minister of Japan during the Meiji Period.

Career

Matsukata became president of Kawasaki Shipbuilding Company (Kawasaki Shōzō) in 1896.

Art collecting

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Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker" near the entrance of the National Museum of Western Art.

Masukata bought thousands of Western paintings and sculpture including Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker" and "Gates of Hell." The Rodin sculptures in the NMWA entrance plaza were made from the same original casting as at the Rodin Museum in France. In fact, Matsukata actually paid for the best Rodin castings in France today.

Some works collected by Matsukata are today in the French national collection of art.

Matsukata's art collection was first seen by the Japanese public in 1959.


Images for kids

  • Advert 1901 QAM Hotel

    Queen Anne's Interior in 1901

  • RodinGates1252

    A "Thinker"-like detail above the closed doors of the entrance at Rodin's "Gates of Hell" in front of the National Museum of Western Art

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    Rodin's "Gates of Hell" near entrance to NMWA in Tokyo

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