Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 June 1896 — Forced ths Artist to Work. [ARTICLE]

Forced ths Artist to Work.

The famous Japanese painter Kyosnl, worked only when he was in the mood, and the most munificent offers failed to Induce him to accept a commission unless the spirit moved him. One of hla admirers, Mr. Kato Bhoyo of Hongo, had vainly attempted to Induce the wnywnrd artist to begin a painting for him. Kyosnl would not budge. Kato thereupon devised and put Into execution a novel pluu. He bought a spurious Kakemono, or “hanging picture.” When next the artist paid him a visit, this was produced and lauded to the skies. Kato declared that the daub was the greatest masterpiece of Kyosul’s skillful hands. In vain the Indignant painter protested that it was a worthless counterfeit. Finally he rushed away in a rage, while Kato rubbed his hands at the success of his ruse. Confident of the result, Kato invited some friends for the following evening and related to them the device he was employing. They waited for the advent of Kyosla, and at last, but not until the small hours of the morning, he appeared. He held a roll in his hand, a Kakemono, on which was depicted a falcon in the act of clutching a monkey. This he threw towards the host, at the same time asking In an angry voice whether Kato still persisted in attributing the other picture to him. The collector, delighted with the success of his plan and with the vigor and beauty of the drawing he had now obtained, apologized to Kyosai and explained the trick. The painter's brow was quickly cleared of its dark clouds, and in turn he confessed that he had been working day and night In order to produce a picture that should vindicate his talents