The Smile in Japanese Art
27 Jan - 06 May 2007
THE SMILE IN JAPANESE ART
From the Jomon Period to the Early Twentieth Century
January 27 - May 6, 2007
This exhibition looks at “smiles” in Japan's classical art, presenting works that range from archeological finds to early twentieth century painting, many of which have never been shown before.
The exhibition starts with dogu, clay figurines from thousands of years ago, and smiling clay tomb guardians, haniwa. Humorous themes are found in early depictions of Kanzan and Jittoku, and these are juxtaposed with Kishida Ryusei's “Reiko” series, which they inspired. Scrolls by 18th century painters such as Ito Jakuchu, Maruyama Okyo and Nagasawa Rosetsu are shown, as are paintings by Hakuin and sculptures by Enku and Mokujiki, who interpreted Buddhist precepts for commoners in the Edo Period.
The display cases are designed by architect Chiba Manabu.
Exhibition Sections and Selected Artists
1. Archaic Smile — Dogu and Haniwa Figurines
2. The Enigmatic Smile — Zen saints and genre images
Sesson, Maruyama Okyo, Nagasawa Rosetsu, Soga Shohaku, Kainosho Tadaoto, Kishida Ryusei
3. Tales of Laughter
Soga Shohaku, Hanabusa Itcho, Ike Taiga, Kawanabe Kyosai
4. Animals and Humor
Kano Sansetsu, Tawaraya Sotatsu, Maruyama Okyo, Ito Jakuchu
5. The Laughter of the Gods
Ito Jakuchu, Hakuin, Enku, Mokujiki
Advisors: Kobayashi Tadashi (Gakushuin University), Yamashita Yuji (Meijigakuin University)
“The Smile in Japanese Art” Exhibition Art Direction by Kakinokihara Masahiro Receives Major Design Award
From the Jomon Period to the Early Twentieth Century
January 27 - May 6, 2007
This exhibition looks at “smiles” in Japan's classical art, presenting works that range from archeological finds to early twentieth century painting, many of which have never been shown before.
The exhibition starts with dogu, clay figurines from thousands of years ago, and smiling clay tomb guardians, haniwa. Humorous themes are found in early depictions of Kanzan and Jittoku, and these are juxtaposed with Kishida Ryusei's “Reiko” series, which they inspired. Scrolls by 18th century painters such as Ito Jakuchu, Maruyama Okyo and Nagasawa Rosetsu are shown, as are paintings by Hakuin and sculptures by Enku and Mokujiki, who interpreted Buddhist precepts for commoners in the Edo Period.
The display cases are designed by architect Chiba Manabu.
Exhibition Sections and Selected Artists
1. Archaic Smile — Dogu and Haniwa Figurines
2. The Enigmatic Smile — Zen saints and genre images
Sesson, Maruyama Okyo, Nagasawa Rosetsu, Soga Shohaku, Kainosho Tadaoto, Kishida Ryusei
3. Tales of Laughter
Soga Shohaku, Hanabusa Itcho, Ike Taiga, Kawanabe Kyosai
4. Animals and Humor
Kano Sansetsu, Tawaraya Sotatsu, Maruyama Okyo, Ito Jakuchu
5. The Laughter of the Gods
Ito Jakuchu, Hakuin, Enku, Mokujiki
Advisors: Kobayashi Tadashi (Gakushuin University), Yamashita Yuji (Meijigakuin University)
“The Smile in Japanese Art” Exhibition Art Direction by Kakinokihara Masahiro Receives Major Design Award