Luoghi e leggende, miti e santi, cibi e personaggi della Sicilia

The Japanese girl who choose Palermo for love

Vincenzo Ragusa arrived in Tokyo on a wet November day in 1876. Together with a group of other Italian artists, the sculptor from Palermo had been invited to Japan to found the Academy of Fine Arts. The country was in great turmoil.

Eight years earlier, in 1868, the civil war had put an end to the shogunate (feudal domination) and put the emperor back on the throne: After more than two centuries of absolute isolation from the rest of the world, Japan thus opened up to the West, with an extraordinary enthusiasm. In a few years, a tumultuous renewal was initiated that involved every sector, from postal service to railways and literature.

Ragusa, who was 35 at the time, was a handsome young man with a long beard and intense gaze, a former Garibaldian. The previous year he had won a competition, organized by the Japanese government, for consultants to entrust the new art school. The competitions, by the way, had been launched all over Europe and the United States, and they varied from country to the other: the Japanese were looking for industrial consultants in Great Britain, doctors in Germany, agricultural consultants in the United States, and so on. In Italy a specific artistic competence had been identified.

Vincenzo Ragusa was fascinated by Japan. Everything about that country so different and far from his Palermo seemed wonderful to him, from the landscapes to the reliability of the Japanese. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending his free time walking and it was during one of these excursions that he met O Tama.

Pictures of the floating world

In 1876, O Tama Kiyohara was 15 years old. She was a budding painter, gifted with great talent. Ragusa told that he saw her for the first time as he passed a simple wooden house, where she sat silently while painting “strange flowers and strange birds on a long fan”. It was a dreamy painting that grew out of ukiyo-e, the printing style of the Edo period, an instinctual painting that O Tama felt flowing directly from her fingers. We can imagine Vincenzo Ragusa’s thoughts and feelings in front of that vision.

In the months that followed, the Sicilian sculptor devoted himself to building the school and teaching Japanese students sculpture, modeling and casting. But also to court the beautiful Japanese girl, the daughter of the keeper of the temple. He immediately understood that the way to get to her heart was art, and so he devised a stratagem. With the excuse of teaching her the naturalistic style that was popular in Europe, he began to fill her house with gifts: plants of all kinds, with flowers, shoots, fruits and leaves of all sizes and colors; and then geese, swans, ducks to populate the small lake in the garden, even peacocks. To show her the charm and the flickering shapes of the fish, he had a transparent crystal tank built, in which koi in bright colors swam. The young O Tama at first reacted with annoyance to all those unsolicited gifts which, however, gradually had the desired effect: push her to paint from life and into the arms of the Sicilian sculptor. The two, united by a passion for art, began dating. In 1878, O Tama was the first Japanese person to pose for a European artist: Vincenzo created a bronze bust of the girl, the first of a long series of portraits that he made in the following years.

Portrait of O Tama Kiyohara by Vincenzo Ragusa
Back to Sicily

In 1882, Vincenzo Ragusa decided to return to Sicily and asked O Tama to follow him. The girl, who had just turned 21, agreed. Two other family members embarked with them: O Chio, her sister, a very good embroiderer, together with her husband Einosuke, an expert lacquer craftsman. Ragusa wanted to create a factory of lacquered furniture, decorated porcelain and other wonderful objects in Palermo, which in those years was experiencing the luxuriant ferment of the Belle Epoque. He also planned to establish a “Scuola Officina” an academy of applied art from which unprecedented but very useful professionals would emerge. The last project was the creation of a museum, linked to the school, where his vast collection of Japanese art would be exhibited, over 4000 objects he had collected over the eight years in Japan. When he landed in Palermo, the porters had a great deal to carry the 110 crates in which he had placed bronze vases and hand-painted fabrics, samurai armors and illustrated books, lacquered wooden furnishings and silver filigree miniatures. The school actually opened its doors but the museum never saw the light. On two occasions, the sculptor was forced by economic difficulties to sell almost all of his collection, which was bought by the Luigi Pigorini Museum in Rome.

Two artists of the Belle Epoque

In Palermo the young O Tama settled down very well. She taught painting and embroidery to the girls of good society in Palermo, attending the most prominent families, from the Florios to the princes of Scalea, from the Whitakers to the Tascas. She dealt with charitable works and supported Vincenzo in his many projects, starting from the Scuola Officina ( today it is an art high school, named after Vincenzo Ragusa and O Tama Kiyohara).In 1888 O Tama was baptized and took the name Eleonora, the same year in which Vincenzo won the competition for the construction of a statue of Garibaldi. In 1892 the equestrian monument was placed in the villa in front of the English Garden during the International Exhibition, a wide-ranging event that for many months placed Palermo at the center of attention. In 1901 the two got married, 25 years after their first meeting. They took up a house in the Perez neighborhood and lived there for all the following years. Vincenzo died in 1927 but O Tama now felt Sicilian and, despite the insistence of the family in Japan, did not want to go back there. Finally, in 1931, the sixteen-year-old Hatsue was sent to Italy, with the task of convincing O Tama who by now, among other things, had almost entirely forgotten Japanese. After two years of persistence, the girl played the extreme card: She told her aunt that if she did not embark with her, as soon as she came within sight of the Japanese coasts she would jump into the sea. Faced with this threat, O Tama capitulated and, having packed the paintings she was most fond of and her husband’s sculptures, she left.

She died in 1939. To obey her will, in 1985 Hatsue returned to Palermo bringing back part of O Tama’s ashes, which were buried in the same grave as her husband, in the cemetery of the Rotoli.

Previous

Miracles are performed here

Next

The rape of Proserpina, a myth in the heart of Sicily

130 Comments

  1. Анонимность: Сервис CandyMail.org позволяет отправлять и получать электронные сообщения без раскрытия вашей личности.

  2. where to buy delta 8 in canada reddit

  3. Your good knowledge and kindness in playing with all the pieces were very useful. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not encountered such a step like this.

  4. No Advance Book Fully Vaccinated Kolkata Escort Service. 100 Real and Genuine Escort in Kolkata for Incall and Outcall Available 24×7.

  5. Stop wasting time and take your love life into your own hands. Sign up with LinkUpCupid today and let us help you find your match!

  6. Hi, your news is quite interesting, please have a look at my site as well

  7. My rather long internet look up has at the end of the day been compensated with pleasant insight to talk about with my family and friends.

  8. One thing I want to say is that car insurance cancelling is a dreaded experience so if you’re doing the suitable things being a driver you won’t get one. Some individuals do are sent the notice that they’ve been officially dumped by their particular insurance company and several have to struggle to get added insurance after the cancellation. Low-priced auto insurance rates are often hard to get after a cancellation. Having the main reasons concerning the auto insurance cancellations can help owners prevent getting rid of in one of the most vital privileges accessible. Thanks for the thoughts shared via your blog.

  9. Have a look at my site to find the best Asian chicks https://www.asiangirlsonly.net

  10. An attention-grabbing discussion is worth comment. I think that you need to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject however typically individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  11. I know of the fact that these days, more and more people are increasingly being attracted to cameras and the area of digital photography. However, like a photographer, you have to first devote so much time frame deciding which model of digicam to buy and also moving via store to store just so you might buy the least expensive camera of the trademark you have decided to settle on. But it does not end generally there. You also have to contemplate whether you should purchase a digital camera extended warranty. Thanks for the good suggestions I gathered from your site.

  12. I really believe that a property foreclosures can have a important effect on the applicant’s life. House foreclosures can have a Seven to 10 years negative impact on a debtor’s credit report. The borrower who has applied for a mortgage or any kind of loans for that matter, knows that the worse credit rating is usually, the more tough it is to obtain a decent mortgage loan. In addition, it may affect the borrower’s ability to find a respectable place to lease or rent, if that turns into the alternative houses solution. Interesting blog post.

  13. Today, taking into consideration the fast chosen lifestyle that everyone is having, credit cards have a huge demand throughout the market. Persons from every field are using credit card and people who not using the card have made arrangements to apply for just one. Thanks for discussing your ideas in credit cards.

  14. Thank you for another informative website. The place else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such information.

  15. Can you talk more on this?

  16. Articolo informativo! Grazie!

  17. What i do not understood is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it抯 one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!

  18. ru

    great issues altogether, you simply won a new reader. What might you recommend about your post that you just made some days in the past? Any certain?

  19. Thanks for your post. I would like to say that the first thing you will need to perform is determine whether you really need fixing credit. To do that you will need to get your hands on a replica of your credit rating. That should never be difficult, ever since the government necessitates that you are allowed to obtain one no cost copy of your credit report every year. You just have to inquire the right individuals. You can either look into the website for the Federal Trade Commission and also contact one of the main credit agencies straight.

  20. What抯 Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other users like its helped me. Great job.

  21. I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information. This articlehas really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your blog and keepchecking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

  22. Thanks – Enjoyed this post, how can I make is so that I get an email whenever there is a new post?

  23. DremBoxBrasil está online! Os mais diversos produtos, de eletrônico à cozinha!

  24. User-Friendly Interface: One of the standout features of CandyMail.org is its user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring that users can seamlessly send and receive emails without any technical expertise. Whether you are a tech-savvy individual or a beginner, CandyMail.org caters to users of all levels of proficiency.

  25. I have observed that in the world the present day, video games will be the latest fad with kids of all ages. Periodically it may be unattainable to drag your kids away from the games. If you want the very best of both worlds, there are lots of educational games for kids. Thanks for your post.

  26. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content available for you? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web log!

  27. Nice information! Thanks for sharing! If you want to see some ignite in Brazil just enter: http://www.brasilvapes.com

  28. I have really learned new things through your blog post. Yet another thing to I have found is that generally, FSBO sellers will reject people. Remember, they would prefer never to use your providers. But if you actually maintain a gradual, professional relationship, offering aid and keeping contact for about four to five weeks, you will usually have the capacity to win a conversation. From there, a listing follows. Thank you

  29. Well done! This article provides a fresh perspective on the topic. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

  30. You are a very bright person!

  31. Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!

  32. You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  33. I have to voice my passion for your kindness giving support to those people that should have guidance on this important matter.

  34. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  35. Hi there, I discovered your site by the use of Google whilst searching for a related matter, your website came up, it seems good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  36. Would you be fascinated with exchanging links?

  37. Well done! This article offers a new perspective on this topic. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  38. Диапазон частот: от 0,15 до 30 МГц

  39. Pizzaria Pizza Salvador Bahia Rio Vermelho Brasil Delivery http://www.vilaitalia.com.br

  40. Hey, would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you.

  41. I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.

  42. WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. ?

  43. Some us know all relating to the compelling medium you present powerful steps on this blog and therefore strongly encourage contribution from other ones on this subject while our own child is truly discovering a great deal. Have fun with the remaining portion of the year.

  44. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to ?return the favor?.

  45. Thank you a lot for providing individuals with a very spectacular possibility to read critical reviews from this site.

  46. Thanks for your blog post. The things i would like to make contributions about is that computer system memory should be purchased when your computer still can’t cope with anything you do by using it. One can put in two RAM boards with 1GB each, by way of example, but not certainly one of 1GB and one of 2GB. One should check the maker’s documentation for the PC to ensure what type of storage it can take.

  47. I am commenting to let you know what a terrific experience my daughter enjoyed reading through your web page. She noticed a wide variety of pieces, with the inclusion of what it is like to have an awesome helping style to have the rest without hassle grasp some grueling matters.

  48. Well done! This article gives a fresh perspective on the subject. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

  49. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

  50. I抦 not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on. All the best

  51. Thank you for any other informative site. The place else could I am getting that type of info written in such an ideal way? I’ve a challenge that I’m simply now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.

  52. One important thing is that if you are searching for a student loan you may find that you will need a co-signer. There are many conditions where this is true because you will find that you do not possess a past history of credit so the bank will require that you have someone cosign the money for you. Interesting post.

  53. fantastic points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?

  54. Kudos to the writer for providing such a comprehensive piece. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

  55. I appreciate the effort you put into creating this content. It’s informative and well-written. Nice job!

  56. Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!?

  57. Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is just cool and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  58. Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to grasp a lot about this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you simply can do with some percent to power the message home a little bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  59. I really enjoyed reading this blog. It’s brief, yet loaded with important details. Thanks!

  60. very nice publish, i certainly love this website, carry on it

  61. Kudos to the author for delivering such an informative piece. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

  62. I appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into compiling this content. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  63. Your blog is a breath of fresh air in a crowded online space.

  64. There are some fascinating points in time on this article however I don抰 know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

  65. This article is an absolute treasure. I’ve saved it for a future reference. Thank you for your valuable information!

  66. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I抳e incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂

  67. I’ve learned several important things via your post. I’d also like to express that there is a situation where you will have a loan and never need a co-signer such as a National Student Aid Loan. But when you are getting that loan through a traditional banker then you need to be willing to have a co-signer ready to assist you to. The lenders are going to base their decision using a few variables but the biggest will be your credit worthiness. There are some financial institutions that will additionally look at your job history and choose based on that but in many cases it will be based on on your ranking.

  68. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  69. Hey there! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  70. Kudos to the writer for providing such a comprehensive piece. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

  71. Your writing is like a guiding light in the darkness of misinformation.

  72. This article is a gem. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. Thanks for the valuable insights!

  73. Hello. impressive job. I did not anticipate this. This is a excellent story. Thanks!

  74. What I have always told persons is that while looking for a good on-line electronics retail outlet, there are a few issues that you have to remember to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure to choose a reputable as well as reliable shop that has picked up great reviews and scores from other individuals and business world leaders. This will make sure that you are dealing with a well-known store that can offer good services and assistance to the patrons. Many thanks for sharing your opinions on this site.

  75. Guest Star supports video but it will also allow creators to host voice-only streams

  76. An impressive share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing slightly analysis on this. And he actually bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love reading extra on this topic. If doable, as you turn into experience, would you mind updating your blog with extra details? It’s highly helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog put up!

  77. Muy buen articulo. Gran aporte de esta web. Hasta la proxima!

  78. Well done! This article provides a fresh perspective on the topic. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

  79. I precisely needed to thank you so much all over again. I do not know the things I would’ve done in the absence of these suggestions shown by you relating to such question. Entirely was a real depressing condition in my circumstances, but viewing this skilled fashion you handled the issue took me to jump for happiness. I’m happier for the support and in addition trust you really know what a great job you’re putting in training many people by way of your web page. I’m certain you haven’t met all of us.

  80. You helped me a lot with this post. I love the subject and I hope you continue to write excellent articles like this.

  81. I’m so in love with this. You did a great job!!

  82. Thank you for providing me with these article examples. May I ask you a question?

  83. does delta 8 cause a positive drug test

  84. Please tell me more about your excellent articles

  85. I really appreciate your help

  86. Thanks for your help and for writing this post. It’s been great.

  87. Thank you for your articles. They are very helpful to me. Can you help me with something?

  88. You’ve the most impressive websites.

  89. Your articles are very helpful to me. May I request more information?

  90. Just commenting to show my support. Your piece is well crafted Good job!

  91. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  92. I’ve been looking for a reliable source of Only Fans Leaks, and I’ve finally found it! ( https://UrbanCrocSpot.org )

  93. I came across this article and discovered it to be an excellent source. Thank you for sharing!

  94. I have been surfing online more than three hours today, but I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It?¦s pretty value sufficient for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the web might be much more helpful than ever before.

  95. Its excellent as your other content : D, thankyou for posting.

  96. Hi there! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great data you could have right here on this post. I might be coming again to your weblog for more soon.

  97. I really appreciate your help

  98. I rattling happy to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for : D as well bookmarked.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial