Roswitha Schulz
A Passion for Japanese Art.
Once again this year, we would like to send you our best wishes and Christmas greetings by drawing your attention to a contribution from the field of art and culture that is very close to our hearts:
JAPANESE ART IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
Collection Roswitha Schulz
Since April 2024, the Cantinetta al Lago at the Lindau Casino has quietly become a must-see destination for art enthusiasts. What began as a solution to bare walls has evolved into an ongoing showcase of contemporary Japanese graphics from the private collection of Roswitha Schulz. Roswitha describes her initiative as an opportunity to "integrate art into daily life," transforming the dining space with vivid, intricate pieces that captivate the eye and invite reflection.
KADOSAKA RYU “Thousand-Year Cherry Tree”, engraving, ed. 11/50, 2010, 39x50 cm (24x36 cm)
Roswitha in Japan
What was your first point of contact with Japanese art?
My professional career was closely linked to the German automotive industry, which is international by nature. My job has given me the opportunity to travel and work with people from many different cultures.
At the same time, art has always been an important part of my life. In Japan, I not only discovered Japanese art for myself, but also learnt how art can build bridges between people and cultures.
From 2009, I lived in Tokyo for eight years. I got to know various Japanese artists and their working methods and started collecting their works.
Roswitha in Tokyo and at a performance with a Japanese singing group
Through the CWAJ organisation, I was able to join a singing group and a photography group. The singing group held summer and winter concerts, while in the photography group in 2010 I had direct contact with the art that was coming in. I became increasingly integrated into Japanese life.
The College Women's Association of Japan (CWAJ) is a non-profit organisation of women from Japan and other countries who volunteer their time. Since 1949, it has awarded scholarships to Japanese and foreign students, as well as to the visually impaired and victims of Fukushima and other earthquake zones. The main event is the annual print show, which promotes intercultural cooperation and friendships. I am very happy to be part of CWAJ to this day.
The connection between my professional world and my passion for art shows how the two fields can complement each other: The global perspective of my profession has helped me to appreciate art as a universal language, and art has taught me to further discover the individual imprint of human expression.
What are the most formative discoveries you have made?
A special feature in my collection is the work of the renowned Japanese woodblock print artist Katsue Inoue. Katsue Inoue is known for combining tradition and modernity. Her works are characterised by fine lines, subtle colour transitions and exceptional precision. She often uses floral or landscape motifs, which she interprets in abstract compositions to create a timeless aesthetic. Originally a kimono dyer in her hometown in Niigara Prefecture, Katsue Inoue transferred her creative skills to woodblock printing.
Inoue, who was selected by her master Shiko Munakata according to Japanese tradition, uses a special sumi technique from the Edo period for her woodcuts. This technique gives her prints an extraordinary luminosity and depth in the black tones. Shiku Munakata remarked that Inoue "depicted graceful landscapes so refined yet effortlessly, as if she was enjoying a hobby".
INOUE Katsue "Iyaoi no kaze" ("Wind in March"), Woodcut, A.P. ed. 10, 2016, 100X100 m
“Iyaoi no kaze” was exhibited at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and was given to me as a present by Katsue Inoue.
INOUE Katsue "Usuzumi cherry blossom tree" (Usuzumi 1500-year cherry tree"), woodcut, ed. 10, 2017, 91X94 cm
Her work "1500 year old cherry tree" was honoured by the Japanese Ministry of Culture in 2017.
Inoue's art is not only a homage to the Japanese woodcut tradition, but also a contemporary exploration of nature and transience. She has made a name for herself internationally with her unique technique and is particularly appreciated for the meditative quality of her works. Now over 90 years old, Inoue has received numerous awards at home and abroad.
KELLY Daniel “Three Persimmons”, Woodcut and chinecolle on handmade Nepal paper, ed. 3/55, 2015, 30 X 111 cm
When was your first exhibition?
From 11/2018 till 04/2019, I exhibited my collection in Berlin on Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate, at Gauly Advisors. I was very happy about this because it was a way for me to support German-Japanese friendship. The catalogue "Japanese Art in a Global Context" was published with 33 exhibits and a foreword by Keisuke Egashira, the former CEO of Mitsubishi. The exhibition was a great success.
Egashira is my great role model and has also been awarded the “Bundesverdienstkreuz” for “his life's work in promoting German-Japanese relations in the world of art, music and business”.
I would like to see more exhibitions in the coming years, also here in the region, because art wants to be seen and encourages an exchange of ideas.
Excerpt from the foreword of Keisuke Egashira:
Mrs Schulz came to Tokyo in 2009 and stayed there for over seven years. From the very beginning, she showed great interest in exploring and learning about Japanese art. Her interest soon became a great passion and she began to put together her collection, which you can admire in this exhibition. She spent a lot of time visiting museums, galleries and numerous antique markets. She also built up a wonderful network of artists, advisors and friends.
Mrs Schulz is a unique personality with a deep passion for achieving her goals.
This art collection, which was selected by a single person, offers a special charm, as the selection was made with the same eye and the same perspective. Overall, when you enter the exhibition, you can feel the clear and harmonious atmosphere and the outstanding spirit.
I would like to congratulate Roswitha on her marvellous achievement in putting together this exhibition.
Keisuke Egashira, Tokyo
AY-O “Tan-B” (Sunrise-B), 1993 silkscreen, ed. 80, 63 x 90 cm
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful New Year 2025!
We would like to thank you for your trust and look forward to taking further steps together in the new year.
Your STREMLER team and Roswitha Schulz
