Toko Shinoda (1913-2021), one of the foremost artists of the 20th Century.

She was born at a time when higher education for women was not a common practice. She studied calligraphy with her father and then delved into the study of Chinese and Japanese literary texts. Frequently, lines of classical and contemporary poetry make their way into her works.

She considered herself an abstract artist, using calligraphy as a source of inspiration. With a touch of Ming dynasty red, she enlivened the work and a powerful energy emanates from the composition.​