Hideo Noda papers, circa 1910s-1998

Correspondence primarily consists of letters between Hideo Noda and his wife Ruth, between 1937 and 1938, when Ruth was in New York City and Noda was in California, Chicago, and then in Europe and Japan. Letters from Noda are often illustrated with pen sketches, sometimes painted with watercolor or colored pencil, and topics range from their relationship and missing one another to Noda's artwork, projects, and exhibitions. Ruth traveled to Japan to be with Noda in 1938, returning by ship just prior to Noda's death in January 1939. Files also include letters from Ruth to sister Louise Kates in 1938 and 1979, largely during Ruth's travels to Europe and Japan. Additional letters are to Ruth from Seiichiro Kuboshima, in 1981 and 1982, who wrote numerous books about Hideo Noda and was interested in an exhibition on his work; artist Jack Yamasaki regarding Noda in 1977; family of Hideo Noda; and telegrams received by Ruth immediately following Hideo Noda's death in Japan. Postcards include some images of Hideo Noda's paintings, and some are in Japanese.

Files include scattered receipts for travel and bank deposits, and a receipt for paintings delivered to East River Gallery in New York.

Photographs, negatives and six photograph albums depict Hideo Noda, Ruth Noda, family, and travel images in Japan. Most of the photographs were taken by Hideo Noda, and the photograph album of Hideo Noda's photographs and notes includes his handwritten notes and captions. Some childhood photographs of Noda are also included among the images.

Printed materials are primarily regarding Hideo Noda's life and work and include two books by Seiichiro Kuboshima on the artist, both in Japanese. Two posthumous exhibition catalogs with Noda's artwork are included, as well as a 1938 exhibition announcement for Nichido Art Gallery in Japan. A newspaper clipping of Noda's brief obituary is also found.

Drawings and sketches are black and white photocopies of original circa 1930s artwork by Hideo Noda, which are considered to be the only surviving versions. One small original pastel rubbing of a face is also included.

Files include American Consulate report of Hideo Noda's death, appraisal and inventory of Hideo Noda's artworks, scattered notes, and materials from Noda Memorial Museum of Art and Yamatane International Inc. concerning posthumous exhibitions.

Files includes a video recording regarding Hideo Noda on Japanese television, as well as an unidentified video recording and film reel.