Author: nakano

Tokyo National Museum

An experimental exhibition will be held at the Tokyo National Museum this fall.
The exhibition, entitled “Four Seasons,” fuses the traditional Japanese sensibilities entrusted to the flowers of the four seasons with the modern pop icon Nogizaka46. How did the seven filmmakers who challenge this exciting theme bring out the essence of Japanese art through Nogizaka46? We will report on the state of the preview held in advance and introduce our efforts.

“Classic x modern” challenged by Nogizaka46

From Saturday, September 4, 2021 to Sunday, November 28, 2021, “Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter / Four Seasons Nogizaka46” is being held at the Hyokeikan of the Tokyo National Museum.

The core of the theme of this exhibition is “classical x contemporary” of Japanese art.

When it comes to “Japanese art,” I think there are many people who feel that young people are somehow far away. However, the nature, seasons, and seasonal flowers depicted there still exist. I love nature and try to portray it in a way that is familiar to me.

The National Museum thought that Nogizaka46, which has gained tremendous support from a wide range of generations, would be a bridge between such ancient Japanese aesthetics and young people. This is because Nogizaka46 is the one who spreads the calm daily life and the nature around us as a visual starting from “songs” and entrusts hope there.

In this exhibition, 7 pieces of Japanese art (reproductions) depicting seasonal flowers will be exhibited. Seven filmmakers independently interpret the work that can be said to be the “essence” of Japanese art, and develop it as a large-scale installation.

For example, the opening “Perspective Expression of Japanese Painting” by Asuka Saito is a work based on Naganobu Kano’s “Hanashita Yuraku Folding Screen” , but it is taken up here and reinterpreted in the same painting. It is a perspective that can be seen.

The mechanism of “Hanashita Yuraku Folding Screen”, which creates the experience of watching the spring feast held outdoors through the curtain, is reproduced by projecting the image in layers through the slit curtain. It is a work positioned as “a reinterpretation of the classics” by the filmmaker Takuro Okubo. In this way, what is shown in the exhibited works is a little rule code necessary to understand Japanese art.

A flower named “everyday” expressed by Nogizaka46

However, the girls in Nogizaka are more than just a reflection of the creator’s intentions. When I actually appreciate the work, there are moments when it seems that their existence has a truth that goes beyond the expectations of the writers. It may be possible to realize it because it is an installation format.

Personally, I was impressed by Sakura Endo in “Mysterious Beauty” (written by Kazuma Ikeda). I’m not familiar with Nogizaka46, so I was honestly surprised if there was an idol who could create such a bewitching atmosphere. This is a work with the motif of “Flame”, which depicts the spirit of Lady Rokujo by Uemura Shoen, but the costumes and hair movements that occur every moment due to her butoh are truly youkai.

In addition, the lyrical nature of Haruka Kaki in “Hidden Landscape” is also wonderful, and one of the charms of this exhibition is that each Nogizaka member can fully enjoy the charm that is different from usual.

 

The exhibition will end on November 28, 2021 (Sun).
The moment when traditional Japanese art connects with us living in the present through a filter called Nogizaka46. It’s very exciting.
By all means, I would like to recommend that you actually experience it at the venue.

Outline of the event

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

---

See other reports

National Science Museum

From Saturday, July 10th to Monday, September 20th, 2021, a special exhibition “Friends Supporting the Plant Earth” is being held at the National Science Museum in Ueno, Tokyo.

It’s a plant, but it’s active or ferocious, too big or too small. This exhibition is full of mysteries and surprises, where you can experience the unknown world of plants. We will report on the venue and highlights.

“Plants that support the earth” full of unique plants

Based on the latest scientific research results, this exhibition will be held all over the world from primitive to modern times from various viewpoints such as the way of life, living environment, shape and evolution of plants, which are indispensable for life on earth. This is a large-scale exhibition that introduces plants .

Not only can you see exhibits such as specimens, models, videos, and installations, but you can also comprehensively learn about the ecology of more than 200 types of plants while stimulating your sense of hearing and smell with music and scents.

Astonished by the non-standard scale!

One of the highlights of the exhibition, be on the watch visitors in the area entitled “○○○ too plant us”, it would be the exhibition of the plant we too large.

The first thing that catches the eye is the full-scale model of the “Titan arum”, which grows naturally in the lowland rainforest of Sumatra, Indonesia, and has the world’s largest inflorescence (a collection of flowers). The height is 2.72M, which is a little in the fantasy area …! I was surprised that it reached 3.1M in the Guinness World Records.

It is a mysterious ecology that heats up to about 38 degrees when it blooms and emits steam, and at that time it seems to evaporate the odor to attract insects, but there was a booth in the venue where you can smell the reproduced odor. Please experience the intense stench that the author, who was careless, unexpectedly warped.

In addition, the appearance of “Rafflesia”, which is familiar as the largest flower in the world. The full-scale model on display is a type called “Rafflesia Arnoldi” distributed on the island of Sumatra, with a diameter of 80CM.

Most people think of red flowers when they hear “Rafflesia,” but do you know what the leaves and stems are like? Actually, the members of the genus “Rafflesia” are parasites that parasitize the woody vines of the vine family and absorb nutrients, so only the flower part exists. The effronterie (?) That makes it famous as the best flower in the world from the standpoint of parasitism is interesting.

In addition, the “Mexico cypress”, which is the “tree of Thule” that exists in the village of Thule in Oaxaca, Mexico, has a root circumference of 57.9M and a trunk circumference of 36.2M, and is certified as the thickest tree in the world by the Guinness World Records. It is also a must-see to reproduce the hugeness around the trunk with a tapestry by making good use of the space on the ceiling of the venue. Please experience the scale feeling that is unbelievable and laughable.

In addition, many high-impact plant objects such as “Hanefukube Seed” with too large wings, “Jackfruit” with too large fruit, and “Jackfruit” with too large pine cones were exhibited.

From ancient fossils to genetically modified plants

From the birth of plants to landing, the birth of forests, the birth and diversification of gymnosperms and flowers … In the area that introduces the history of the dynamic evolution of plants, a number of precious plant fossils are lined up.

Along with the restored illustrations, the world’s first large-scale plant fossil “Cooksonia Balandy”, fossils of cladoxylons, the first plant to make a large body over 10M, and the main composition of a huge marsh forest in the Carboniferous period The fossils of Lepidodendron, which became an element, tell us what the earth looked like long before humans appeared.

On the other hand, it also covers modern plant circumstances such as “blue rose” and “blue chrysanthemum” that did not exist in the natural world and were born by genetic recombination technology.

Looking at the beauty of the yellow-green fluorescence emitted by “shining torenia” created by introducing the gene of the fluorescent protein of marine plankton with the aim of imparting a new trait of “shining”, this technology will be in the future. It makes me excited to see how it develops.

Really scary plants

Cunning carnivorous plants and ferocious fruits that make people who have the image of “quiet” and “healing” for plants are also present at the venue.

“Venus flytrap” that closes the leaves to prevent insects from escaping when the sensory hair is stimulated twice within 30 seconds, and “Drosera rotundifolia” that catches insects with sticky digestive juice and dissolves them to the core of the body in half a day Reproduces the dignity of its form, which is not limited to its properties, with a magnified model of about 100 times and about 200 times.

In the aquarium exhibition next to it, many of them are packed like a diorama with carnivorous plants that look pretty at first glance alive. I can’t help but imagine what would happen if I let go of insects in this lawless zone.

A typical example of a “ferocious” plant that attaches to animals with hook-shaped tips and thorns called “kaeshi” and sprays fruits is a lion that has adhered to the mouth and has become unable to open its mouth and starved to death. There is also an actual exhibition of fruits such as “Lion Goroshi”, which has an anecdote, and “Onibishi,” which looks exactly like Makibishi, which is famous for its ninja tools.

It is also interesting that they all have a gap in common that the flowers themselves are very beautiful.

Fun entertainment elements too!

There is also a participatory installation exhibition in the venue that children can enjoy.

The browser game “Photosynthesis FACTORY” for smartphones that allows you to learn the mechanism of photosynthesis is that the player becomes the factory manager of the photosynthesis factory and clears three missions. At the venue, you can experience Mission 1 with your body with up to 4 players. (Click here for smartphone games ⇒ https://kougousei-factory.com )

How much can you collect (photons) under light energy while cooperating with other players? The operation is as simple as moving your arm, but when you try it, it naturally becomes like a competition with other players, so even adults alone can get excited.

Speaking of having fun learning, there are explanations about the three genes “A gene”, “B gene”, and “C gene” that the shape of the flower is determined by the combination in the venue, but it is related to “Flower gene ABC”. The original song is playing. It’s a song to learn the functions of the three genes, but the lyrics and melody may be a little strange.

---

In addition, at the special shop of this exhibition, original goods limited to the exhibition using designs drawn by 4 popular creators on the theme of “plants”, including cushions and pouches of quirky plants such as “Rafflesia”. , Collaboration products with the popular trading card game “Duel Masters” are on sale. If you want it, please come and visit us as soon as possible.

 

Outline of the special exhibition “Plant Exhibition Friends Supporting the Earth”

Session	July 10th (Sat) -September 20th (Monday / holiday), 2021 * The session is subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
venue	National Science Museum
Opening hours	9:00 to 17:00 (admission is until 16:30)
closing day	July 12th (Monday), September 6th (Monday)
Admission fee	General / university students: 1,900 yen (tax included) Elementary / middle / high school students: 600 yen (tax included) * Online advance reservation (date and time specified) is required.
Organizer	National Science Museum, NHK, NHK Promotion, Asahi Shimbun
Exhibition official website	https://plants.exhibit.jp

 

See other reports

Tokyo National Museum

From July 13th (Tuesday) to September 5th (Sunday), 2021, Prince Shotoku's 1400 Memorial Special Exhibition "Prince Shotoku and Horyuji Temple" is being held at the Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan. A special preview for the media was held the day before the release, so this time we will tell you about it.

Horyuji Temple The beauty of prayer in 1400, all of which is here.

"Be precious with harmony" "I was very good at hearing and could hear many stories at once"

"Prince Shotoku" that every Japanese knows the anecdote even if he is not so familiar with Japanese history. It is also the "first great man" we meet in textbooks, and has long been revered as the object of worship of the Japanese people.

This year, Reiwazo (2021) is the 1400th anniversary of Prince Shotoku (574-622) . The special exhibition "Prince Shotoku and Horyuji Temple" to be held in this milestone year will showcase the portraits of the prince, treasures that are handed down as relics, and valuable cultural assets since the Asuka period, centering on the temple treasures that have been protected and handed down at Horyuji Temple. , The prince approaches the world of the prince and the prince worship.

Prince Shotoku and Horyuji Temple

Prince Shotoku is a person who assisted politics with Soga no Iruka during the time of Empress Suiko and promoted the nation-building by Buddhism.

Speaking of Prince Shotoku's achievements, the episode that made Sui, who was a great empire at that time, deliver the book "Tenko in the place of sunrise, the book to Tenshi in the place of sunset. This passage of "Tenko of the rising sun" is used as it is in the title of Ryoko Yamagishi's manga "Tenko of the rising sun".

Prince Shotoku built Horyuji Temple in 607, which is the oldest existing wooden structure in the world.
Although it was hit by a fire in 670, the Saiin Garan centered on the main hall and five-storied pagoda was rebuilt by the beginning of the 8th century. Buddhas from the Asuka period are enshrined in the main hall, and the Toin temple centered around the Yumeden, which was built around 739, became the center of the prince's worship.

At the venue, not only the works in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, but also many temple treasures related to Prince Shotoku from Horyuji Temple are exhibited, and it is structured so that you can enjoy a wide range of masterpieces of Buddhist art such as sculpture, painting, crafts, dyeing and weaving.

Exhibition work introduction

<< National Treasure Yakushi Nyorai Sitting Statue >> Asuka period, 7th century Nara, Horyuji warehouse

The mystery fascinates people. A masterpiece of ancient Buddha sculpture.

A work that is said to be a masterpiece that shows the stylistic beauty of the Asuka period, such as the mysterious facial features with a smile on the mouth and the linear clothing expression, which is the principal image of the Kondo Higashi. According to the inscription on the back of the halo, it was built in 607, but since the casting technology is more advanced than the statue of Shakyamuni in the Kondo, which was completed in 623, the actual production date is considered to be after 623. Has been done.

You can feel the rounded softness of the cheeks, neck, and hands, and you can feel the outstanding skill of the Buddhist priest. It is one of the representative Buddhist statues of the Asuka period, but it seems that many mysteries remain, such as the inscription and pedestal as well as the production date.

《Den Tachibana's memorial Buddha kitchen》 Asuka period 7th-8th century Nara Horyuji warehouse

The highest peak of beautiful Hakuho art.

Amitabha triad statue with an impressive soft smile. Along with the delicate workmanship, the flowing curves seen on the fingertips and clothing are exceptionally beautiful, and it is considered to be the best masterpiece among the gold and bronze Buddhas created during the Hakuho period. The original kitchen with a canopy equipped with Mt. Meru, which enshrines the Amitabha triad statue. It is a work that conveys the ancient prayer space to the present.

《Seven Stars Bronze Sword》 Asuka period 7th century Nara Horyuji warehouse (former Horyuji dedication treasure)

If you are a sword fan, please click here.

This is what the sword-loving writer paid attention to. It is a beautiful copper sword that represents the Big Dipper on the blade. There are other swords designed with the Big Dipper as a motif, such as the "Big Dipper" in Shitennoji, Osaka, but it was believed that the Big Dipper had a strong power to defeat the enemy in ancient China. It seems that such swords have come to be made.

It seems that the blade was painted with lacquer and pressed with gold leaf, and gold color still remains everywhere. At that time, I was wondering how magnificent the sword was, but I was the only one …

---

Speaking of Tokyo National Museum, it is also famous for its fulfilling product sales.
In addition to standard products such as T-shirts and pictorial records, there are also unique goods such as Prince Shotoku's dog "Yukimaru" goods and "Eshinkyo Tenugui Towel" that exploded the business spirit of Tohaku.

Also, at the Toyokan of the Tokyo National Museum, the museum theater "Horyuji National Treasure Kondo-Prince Shotoku's Heart" will be screened from Wednesday, July 14, 2021 to Sunday, October 10, 2021. Everything inside the Kondo of Horyuji Temple in Nara, which cannot be entered locally, is reproduced by virtual reality, and you can experience the Buddha statue and mural painting of the principal image up close!
For details, please see the official website of the Museum Theater.

Outline of the event

Exhibition name	Prince Shotoku 1400 Memorial Special Exhibition "Prince Shotoku and Horyuji Temple"
Legislative session	July 13th (Tuesday) -September 5th (Sunday), 2021 First term: July 13th (Tuesday) -August 9th (Monday / holiday), 2021 Late: August 11th (Wednesday) -September 5th (Sunday), 2021
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 00
closing day	Monday * However, the museum will be open on Monday, August 9th, and will be closed only for this exhibition on Tuesday, August 10th.
Admission fee	General 2,200 yen University student 1,400 yen High school student 1,000 yen * To alleviate congestion, this exhibition requires advance reservations (reserved-seat tickets). All customers are required to reserve a reserved-seat ticket for admission. Please check the exhibition official website for details on "advance reserved-seat tickets" and "same-day tickets".
Venue	Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan (Ueno Park)
Official site	https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/horyuji2021/index.html

See other reports

Tokyo National Museum

From June 22nd (Tuesday) to September 12th (Sunday), 2021, a special exhibition “National Treasure Seirinji Eleven-faced Kannon-Miwayama Faith Mihotoke” is being held at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo. is.

This exhibition attracts attention as the national treasure “Eleven-faced Guanyin Bodhisattva Statue”, which is said to be the masterpiece of Japanese sculpture due to its exceptional beauty, is exhibited outside Nara Prefecture for the first time in history. Since I participated in the press preview, I will report on the situation at the venue.

Buddha statues related to Oomiwa Shrine reunited for the first time in about 150 years!

The national treasure “Eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu Statue”, which is the main character of this exhibition, is owned by Shorinji Temple in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, but until the Edo period, it was enshrined at Oomiwa Shrine in the same city, not at Shorinji Temple. Did you know that it was done?

Oomiwa Shrine with Mt. Miwa as the deity that conveys the ancient Japanese belief in nature to the present day. In the Nara period, the introduction of Buddhism promoted Shinto-Buddhist training, and Oomiwa-ji Temple (renamed to Oomiwa-ji Temple in the Kamakura period) was built in the precincts of Oomiwa Shrine, and many Buddhist statues are now enshrined.

However, when the Meiji government’s Shinbutsu bunri decree caused a wave of abolition of Buddha, Daimiwaji became an abandoned temple. Buddha statues are also forced to move to nearby temples such as Shorinji Temple, which they have a close relationship with.

This exhibition includes the national treasure “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue”, the national treasure “Jizo Bodhisattva statue” (Horyuji temple collection), “Nikko Bodhisattva statue” and “Moonlight Bodhisattva statue” (both are Shokei temple collection). The Buddhist statues enshrined at Rinji are exhibited together in the form of reunion for the first time in about 150 years.
At the same time, we will introduce materials that tell the story of the natural beliefs of Oomiwa Shrine and ancient rituals, as well as excavated items from the Mt. Miwa forbidden land.

Eleven-faced Kannon to enjoy 360 degrees from various angles

The national treasure “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva Statue” is settled in the center in a clean atmosphere. Behind the statue is a reproduction of the three torii gates of Oomiwa Shrine. It is not the main shrine that continues from the torii gate, but Mt. Miwa, which visually conveys the form of natural beliefs at Oomiwa Shrine.

Eleven-faced Kannon, as the name implies, has 11 faces.
In India, the number “10”, which means all directions, is combined with the main body surface to make 11 faces, but in Japan, the main body face + 11 faces is common. The national treasure “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva Statue” is also the latter.

The 11 faces of the crown overlooking all directions have individuality, and the 3 front faces are the “Bodhisattva face” with a gentle expression. The “shinnu side” looks like an angry face on the left side (right side when facing the front) when viewed from the statue. The right side (left side when facing the front) when viewed from the statue is the “gejoshutsu side” where the fangs are exposed. “Laughing face” with a big laugh on the back side. And it is the “top Buddha face” in the center.

The current national treasure “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva Statue” has lost three sides. Therefore, unfortunately, it is not possible to check only the “laughing face”, but since the venue is arranged so that you can watch it from anywhere in the front, back, left and right, it is a nice point to enjoy all the existing faces with the naked eye.

Most of the pre-modern Buddhist statues that exist in Japan are made of wood, but in the Nara period and around the latter half of the 8th century, a technique called dry lacquer was used for production. This statue is also one of those made by “Kishin dry lacquer ware”, which is made by molding lacquer and wood powder kneaded material called Kokuso lacquer on the wood core.

Wooden lacquer is said to be suitable for realistic expression because it is made by raising lacquer instead of scraping it. In this statue, the loose curves of the folds of the heavenly garment that seem to be covered with wind, the tension of the flesh, the undulations of the eyelids that make you feel the presence of the eyeballs, and the orderly appearance of the hair muscles are expressions unique to wooden lacquer. Is the highlight.

From the side, you can see the slender proportions of 8 life, the thickness of the chest, and how to place the center of gravity. The posture with the head of a solemn face slightly forward seems to be trying to capture the appearance of people firmly.

The rear view is a gem of beauty, not to mention the smoothness of the back, but especially the graceful appearance that the curve of the clothes from the waist to the legs is fascinating is a must-see. The contrast between the gold leaf that has been peeled off in places and the glossy black color of the ground creates a shadow with an atmosphere.

If you look closely at the details, you will also be fascinated by the gentleness of the fingers of your left hand holding the treasure bottle and your right hand lowered. The pedestal with a lotus flower motif also has the gorgeousness of Tenpyo art. It makes me realize that the reputation of being “the masterpiece of Japanese art” is not an exaggeration.

In addition, a halo that visually expresses the halo of the gods and Buddha is also on display. Nowadays, most of it is lost except for the shaft part, but it is speculated that it was originally a halo that engraves a triple sphere and arabesque. The splendor of the past days is remembered.

Introducing other exhibited works

The national treasure “Jizo Bosatsu Statue”, which was once placed next to the eleven-faced Kannon at Omiwaji Temple, is a Buddhist statue carved from a single piece of wood except for the hands of both hands. The thick body is full of realism, as if a single tree were standing there.

The “Nikko Bosatsu Statue” and “Moonlight Bosatsu Statue” look exactly like each other, but it is interesting that the materials, structural techniques, and styles are different, and it seems that they were not originally one tool. The Nikko Bodhisattva has a large nose, and the Moonlight Bodhisattva has a long and gentle expression, and the area around the chin looks refreshing.

In this exhibition, the ones excavated at Mt. Miwa Forbidden Land and Yamanokami Heritage are also exhibited, but most of them are imitations in the shape of tools used for some kind of ritual. The most eye-catching are the stone products and earthenware that are shaped like the utensils related to sake brewing.
It was interesting to see that the brewing beliefs of Oomiwa Shrine, which remains to this day, can be traced back to the Kofun period from the existence of excavated items, assuming that Omononushi, the deity of Oomiwa Shrine, is the god of sake. ..

The special exhibition “National Treasure Shorinji Eleven-faced Kannon-Mt. Miwa Faith Mihotoke” will be held until September 12, 2021 (Sun).

At the same time as the opening of this exhibition, a new permanent experience exhibition called “Japanese Art Tobira” was released in the special 3 rooms of the main building of the Tokyo National Museum. If you move your hand in front of a huge screen where you can learn about the history of Japanese art, you can experience interactive experiences such as rotating the displayed pop-up of Japanese art and turning pages. You can also appreciate masterpieces such as “Wind” and “Flowering Plants of Summer”.

Advance reservations are required, but the admission fee for the special exhibition will be included as it is, so why not take a tour together?

 

Outline of the special exhibition “National Treasure Shorinji Eleven-faced Kannon-Mt. Miwa Faith Mihotoke” * This exhibition requires advance reservation (reserved-seat ticket). Please check the official exhibition website for details.

Session	June 22nd (Tuesday) -September 12th (Sunday), 2021
Venue	Tokyo National Museum Main Building Special 5 Rooms
Opening hours	9:30 am to 5:00 pm
closing day	Monday (However, it will be open on August 9th)
Admission fee	Advance reserved-seat ticket General 1,400 yen, college students 700 yen, high school students 400 yen, junior high school students and younger free For other details, please visit the official exhibition website ⇒ https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/shorinji2020/tickets.html
Organizer	Tokyo National Museum, Yomiuri Shimbun, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Arts Council
Exhibition official website	https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/shorinji2020/

 

See other reports

Posted on 2021年6月17日2021年6月18日

[Ueno Royal Museum] “Kingdom Exhibition-Shin-” Report: The history of Shin, which is traced by more than 400 hand-drawn original drawings

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

At the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, a special exhibition “Isamu Noguchi’s Discovery Road” is being held from April 24th to August 29th, 2021.

This exhibition traces the “path of discovery” that Isamu Noguchi took while searching for “what is sculpture” throughout his life with about 90 works. We will report on the state of the venue and the exhibited works.

About the sculptor Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), a leading sculptor of the 20th century, has demonstrated exceptional talent in various fields such as stage art, product design, and landscape design.

Despite being a well-known master, Noguchi was not good at sticking to one form or material due to his unique sculptural philosophy, as you can see at a glance at the works of sculpture.

Not even one base, he is a person who “does not settle down” in many ways, having continued his creative activities while going back and forth between New York and Japan, and sometimes Italy.

Noguchi used to feed on the loneliness and strong desire to belong to his father as a Japanese and his mother as an American, but the work expressed from his creative attitude of avoiding peace is surprising. It is colorful and rich in expression.

This exhibition, entitled “The Road to Discover Isamu Noguchi,” is an encounter that Noguchi gained from the culmination of the stone carvings of his later years, including various aspects of Japanese tradition and culture that continued to give important inspiration. A panoramic view of 90 works. The idea is to experience the possibilities of sculpture and the boundaries of art that Noguchi has pioneered.

A scene from the special exhibition “Isamu Noguchi’s Road to Discovery”

The venue for this exhibition consists of three chapters of exhibition space based on Noguchi’s idea that “sculpture and space are one”, but the first thing you notice when you look at the whole is the small number of walls. The works were scattered on a large floor.

As it is a so-called strolling exhibition, you can immerse yourself in the world of Noguchi’s works as you go.

Another feature is that the works are exhibited without being put in a glass case, except for some parts.

“Without the purpose of public enjoyment, the meaning of sculpture itself would be questioned.” “I have never seen sculpture as something that should be separated and sacred.” (Note 1)

Noguchi who once said that. His work, which focuses on the usefulness of sculpture in daily life, not just as an appreciation, may shine more lively when exhibited in a form that is not separated from people like this exhibition. Hmm.

Chapter 1 “The Universe of Sculpture”

On the floor of Chapter 1, “The Universe of Sculpture,” there are various works from the 1940s to the last 80s, which are studded like stars.

There are many notable works such as “Black Sun” that makes you feel as if the unevenness is moving when you change the angle, and “Void” that reminds you of infinite space-time, but the biggest highlight is still in the center of the exhibition room. It will be a large-scale installation with 150 lights that give off a feeling.

“Akari”, which was likened to the light of the sun and moon, started production after Noguchi met Gifu lanterns in 1951. It is a special series that should be called life work, which is rare for Noguchi who avoids sticking to a certain material and form, and has continued to make more than 200 variations over 30 years.

Noguchi is not just a lighting fixture, but a “light sculpture” that engraves the light itself through Japanese paper, and “provides quality to life and fills any world with light” (Note 2). I was thinking.

This is a complete form of Noguchi, who continued to ask “what is sculpture” by expanding the conventional concept of sculpture.

There is a passage under the installation of “Akari” that blinks slowly, and you can walk in it. I felt the comfort of being gently wrapped in the soft light that illuminates the world without distinction.

Chapter 2 “The World of Karomi”

In Chapter 2, you can experience the world of “Karomi (lightness)” challenged by Noguchi who tried to incorporate the element of “lightness” contained in the state of Japanese culture into his work.

There are various types of metal plate sculptures, such as “Zazen”, created based on ideas from origami and kirigami, such as bent aluminum plates and cut steel plates. However, the impression I get is just like paper.

It embodies the “denial of the weight and materiality of sculpture” that Noguchi aimed at, which is flat but has volume and depth.

Noguchi, who had an amusement park construction plan, has also started making large playsets, one of which is the playset sculpture “Place Culture” that stands out on the floor. The characteristic form of a ring of pipes that undulate like waves is full of dynamism and bouncy lightness that tickles children’s hearts.

Chapter 3 “Stone Garden”

In Mure-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, there is the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, which is a museum of Noguchi’s outdoor atelier and residence, but on the Chapter 3 “Stone Garden” floor, the stone carvings that remain in the museum are on special display. It is said that this exhibition will be the first to be exhibited together except for Murei since the museum opened in 1999!

Under the abundant nature of the ritual, with the help of mason Masatoshi Izumi, he faced the essence of stone and began to hear the “voice of stone” by connecting his senses and the world in an atelier where everything anaphorically interacts. Noguchi who said that.

We created a group of stone carving works, which is also called the culmination of Noguchi, with a completely new expression method of adding only the minimum necessary work while leaving the appearance of the stone as it is.

Approximately 3 meters, the largest sculpture in this exhibition, “Twisted Pillar,” is a masterpiece with bold shavings while skillfully utilizing the original essence of megaliths. You will be overwhelmed by the mysteriously balanced majesty.

“Floor lock” is a work in which two rocks are cut in a straight line from multiple angles, and the contrast between the polished stone surface and the background and the pattern that floats like a sword are sharp. It was as if Noguchi’s spirit of facing the work was still in the beauty of the sculpture.

---

The world of Isamu Noguchi’s work, which saw sculpture as “something that should be completely experienced, not just staring at it” (Note 3). Please visit this exhibition and experience the <Noguchi Space> with your whole body.

 

<Overview of the special exhibition “Isamu Noguchi’s Path of Discovery”> * Reservation recommended by date and time

Session	April 24th (Sat) -August 29th (Sun), 2021
Venue	Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Planning Exhibition Room
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 30 (Enter until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed days	Monday (However, the room is scheduled to open on July 26th, August 2nd, and August 9th)
Admission fee	[Recommended date and time reservation] General 1,900 yen, college / vocational school students 1,300 yen, 65 years old and over 1,100 yen・ Free for high school students and younger ・ Free for persons with a physical disability certificate, love certificate, nursing certificate, mental disability health and welfare certificate, and A-bomb survivor health certificate (up to 1 person). * High school students, college students, vocational school students, people aged 65 and over, and those who have various notebooks must bring something that can be proved. Click here for details ⇒ https://isamunoguchi.exhibit.jp/ticket.html
Organizer	Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Asahi Shimbun, NHK, NHK Promotion, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Arts Council
Inquiry	03-5777-8600 (Hello dial)
Official page	https://isamunoguchi.exhibit.jp/

(Note 1) Isamu Noguchi / Translated by Miwako Kitadai “Isamu Noguchi Essay”, Misuzu Shobo, 2018, P23, P96
(Note 2) Masayo Duus, “Isam Noguchi, Fateful Cross-border”, Kodansha, 2000, P318
(Note 3) Isamu Noguchi / Translated by Miwako Kitadai “Isamu Noguchi Essay”, Misuzu Shobo, 2018, P197

References:
“Official Catalog of’Isamu Noguchi’s Discovery Road'” (Asahi Shimbun, NHK, NHK Promotion)
Masayo Duus “Isam Noguchi Fateful Cross-Border” (Kodansha)
Translated by Miwako Kitadai “Isamu Noguchi Essay” (Misuzu Shobo)

 

See other reports

Tokyo National Museum

From April 13th to May 30th, 2021, a special exhibition “All about National Treasure Birds and Beasts Caricature” is being held at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo.

One of the best masterpieces in the history of Japanese painting, “Choju-Giga,” which vividly depicts anthropomorphic animals and people’s activities, and continues to capture people’s hearts over time. We covered this exhibition, which attracted a lot of attention in the first attempt in the history of the exhibition to release all four volumes and all scenes at once, so we will report on the contents and highlights of the exhibition.

* The session is divided into the first half (April 13th to May 9th) and the second half (May 11th to 30th). Regarding the works introduced with photographs in this article, all the works that do not have a period notation in the information column at the bottom are exhibited for the entire period.

Don’t you know it? The mysterious world of “Choju-Giga”

Along with “Genji Monogatari Emaki”, “Ban Dainagon Ekomaki”, and “Shigisan Engi”, it is one of the four major picture scrolls in Japan, and is a national treasure “Choju-Giga” that has been protected and handed down by Kozanji Temple, an old temple in Kyoto.

It boasts an outstanding reputation among Japanese paintings, but “Choju-Giga” is also known as “Choju-Giga”, and not only animals but also people are drawn, and there is not one painter involved in the production. I think there are surprisingly few people who have a complete picture of what is presumed to be.

About 800 years ago, this work is said to have been drawn in stages from the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Kamakura period, but in reality most of the detailed background, such as the author, the purpose of production, and the history of collection at Kozanji Temple, is It is a mysterious work that has not been clarified yet.

 It is said that each of the four volumes is related, but it seems that it was not conceived as a series from the beginning …

There is no textual information called a word book written in a general picture scroll, and I don’t even know if there is a common theme …

In other words, compared to the timeless sense of painting that you will never forget once you see it, the other information is a work that does not show its substance vaguely.

The only way to understand the work is to face the work itself seriously. There is no doubt that the unfamiliarity of the bottom is a factor that arouses the inquisitive mind of researchers and attracts us.

This exhibition is a unique opportunity to overlook the mysterious world of “Choju-Giga”.

The state of the venue and the contents of the special exhibition “All about National Treasure Choju-Giga”

This exhibition, which uses the space of two venues luxuriously, consists of three chapters. From here, we will introduce the contents of each chapter’s exhibition.

[Chapter 1] All of the national treasure Choju-Giga

The main feature of Chapter 1 is the effort to display all four volumes of A, Otsu, Hei, and Ding, all of which are about 44 meters (!) In total, all at once throughout the session. It will be an irresistible point for fans to be able to make a cross-sectional comparison of each volume, such as differences in brush strokes and expressions, which was not possible in the previous exhibitions where rewinding was carried out during the exhibition period.

Also, in Chapter 1, you can’t miss the unprecedented challenge of setting up a moving walkway and letting you appreciate “Choju-Giga”.

I think that the one installed in front of the instep, which is probably the most popular, was designed to prevent new coronavirus infections, but it does not push against people and moves very slowly, so it is “too fast”. There was no inconvenience such as “I couldn’t see it!” … I felt that it was an epoch-making facility where everyone could take a closer look at the work in the front row.

In the first place, picture scrolls are enjoyed in a dynamic way of viewing, from right to left, unfolding, rolling up, and unfolding again. This attempt can be taken as a smart measure by the organizer, who wants you to feel as if you are unraveling the picture scroll yourself.

[Chapter 2] A short cut and a model of a bird and beast caricature-recovery of a lost scene

In Chapter 2, Duncan and that was the one screen of the partially missing picture scroll to the hanging scroll, is Reproductions that hold copies of the lost screen in the original are exhibited.

Actually, the original “Choju-Giga” that has been handed down to date has some missing screens, and it is said that the current Komaki is complicated (the order of the screens is changed). Therefore, in this exhibition, originals, sketches, and models will be gathered from home and abroad. I am trying to get a bird’s-eye view of “all of the bird and beast caricatures” that once existed.

For example, on the left side of “Choju-Giga-Kansho (Tokyo National Museum)”, you can see black dots under the lotus umbrella of the frog, which is connected to the Hagi flower drawn on the 16th paper of the current Komaki. Therefore, it turns out that this syllabary was originally located in front of the 16th paper.

The contents of the screen correspond to the current Komaki 11th paper and later, “Choju-Giga Model (Nagao Family Old Collection)”, which is said to be a copy of the state before Komaki became complicated. In addition, it is a very useful material to know the former instep, such as holding screens that can not be confirmed at present, such as rabbits and monkeys jumping high.

Many people may be thrilled by the act of gathering various hints in this way and revealing the whole picture as if solving a mystery. If you go back to the original of Chapter 1 from here, it seems that you can enjoy it differently from the first viewing.

[Chapter 3] Myoe Shonin and Kozanji Temple

Kozanji Temple in Kyoto, which was founded in the Nara period and was revived in the Kamakura period by a scholar, Myoe, has many cultural assets in addition to “Choju-Giga”.

Chapter 3 summarizes the important cultural property “Myoe Shonin Sitting Statue”, which will be exhibited outside the temple for the first time in 28 years, the dream record “Yume no Ki” written by Myoe Shonin throughout his life, and the Japanese poems of Myoe Shonin. Works related to Kozanji Temple, such as Myoe Shonin Kashu, which show the personality of Myoe Shonin, who was loved by many people, are on display.

As I look at the items related to it, I feel somehow familiar with Myoe. Apparently, during the lifetime of Myoe Shonin, “Choju-Giga” was stored in a different place, but it is because Myoe Shonin laid the foundation for his love for small animals and vegetation. I imagined that “Caricature” had been carefully protected.

The more you see it, the more interesting it is! Comparison of 4 volumes of “Choju-Giga”

As mentioned above, the way to enjoy the whole volume and all scenes is a cross-sectional comparison. Here are some interesting things.

It is a scene of the Komaki and Chomaki Hokai. A very interesting composition in which the crying monkey and the rabbit with a fan drawn in the instep volume are arranged as human beings who have similar appearances and movements in the chomaki, and the motif parodyed by animals is further parodyed by human beings. It has become.

The animal caricatures are drawn in the second half of the Komaki and Hei-maki, and while the animals in the Komaki wear eboshi, the animals in Hei-maki wear leaves that look like eboshi.

What is the intent of the animals in the instep to behave more humanly and the animals in the Hinoe to remain somewhat animal-like, using the same anthropomorphic technique? The mystery is only deepening.

Otomaki, whose motif is different from Japanese animals in the first half and foreign animals and fantasy animals in the second half, is also interesting because of the subtle differences in brush strokes.

The exotic and fantasy animals are a little cautious and have a solid brush stroke, but it is thought that this is not due to the difference between the painters, but because the painters drew with reference to the model. It’s the result of faithfully drawing an example so as not to misrepresent an unknown animal.

It’s not a comparison across volumes and screens, but here’s what you should check. At first glance, it is easy to think that it was written by a painter with a childish skill, but when you look at the face of a Kuge-style man looking back on the left side of the screen, it is very easy to understand compared to the men making noise on the right side. You should be able to convey that you are “good”.

The easy-going style of painting is a must-see because it is a point that a painter with a certain skill can understand that he dares to draw like that.

At the end

At the museum shop, there are a lot of cute items such as T-shirts and masking tapes featuring the animals that appear in “Choju-Giga”, but the most notable item is the almost full-scale whole volume and various articles. It will be an official catalog. It’s a huge volume with over 400 pages and it’s a definitive edition, so fans should check it out.

By the way, popular voice actors Koichi Yamadera and Ayumi Tsunematsu are in charge of the audio guide navigator for this exhibition. It is explained in plain language that even children can enjoy listening to with a light narrative, so please come along with the appreciation.

---

The world of “Choju-Giga” that grabs our hearts with a truly rich expression, even though it is a monochromatic line drawing with ink. It may be fun to visit this exhibition, read the work in your own way, and try to “solve the mystery”.

 

Outline of the special exhibition “All about National Treasure Choju-Giga”

* Advance reservations are required for this exhibition. You need to reserve a reserved-seat ticket online. Please check the official website of the exhibition for details. In addition, you can see the national treasure “Choju-Giga Komaki” on the moving walkway.

Session	April 13th (Tuesday) -May 30th (Sunday), 2021 * Some works may be changed and scenes may be changed during the exhibition period, but the 4th volume of the national treasure “Choju-Giga” will be exhibited throughout the exhibition period without changing the scenes.
Venue	Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan
Opening hours	9 am-7pm (last admission is 6pm)
closing day	Closed on Mondays * However, it will be open on May 3 (Monday / holiday)
Admission fee	General 2,000 yen, university / vocational school students 1,200 yen, high school students 900 yen * Junior high school students and younger, persons with disabilities and one caregiver are free of charge, but it is necessary to make a reservation for a “reserved-seat ticket” and present a student ID card, disability certificate, etc. Please check here for details. https://chojugiga2020.exhibit.jp/ticket.html
Organizer	Tokyo National Museum, Kozanji Temple, NHK, NHK Promotion, Asahi Shimbun
Sponsorship	Kajima Construction, Sompo Japan, Toppan Printing, Mitsui & Co.
Official page	https://chojugiga2020.exhibit.jp/

Reference: “Special Exhibition” All about National Treasure Choju-Giga “Catalog”

 

See other reports

Posts navigation