Café Terrace with Posters

This work depicts a café near Saeki's studio, in Paris's 14th arrondissement. The inscription "UZO SAHEKI/ A PARIS/ NOV 27/ HOTEL DU MARCHE" at the upper right tells us that Saeki painted it in November of 1927, during his second visit to France. During that period, many of his works include lettering, in swift, dancing brushwork; some researchers of his work regard that brushwork as indicating the influence of Japanese calligraphy. Here the lettering has been recomposed decoratively to work within the painting as a whole and to serve an important function by adding motion to the composition. The vibrant colors of the posters and tables burst vigorously beyond their perimeters to create a bright, rhythmical effect.