Category: Report

Tokyo National Museum

In the 4th year of Reiwa (2022), Okinawa Prefecture will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its return to the mainland.

When Okinawa was once the Ryukyu Kingdom, it aimed to become a bridge to the world by engaging in trade and diplomacy with other countries in the seas of Asia.

The famous word “Bridge of Nations” contains such a noble ideal of Ryukyu.

The road that the Ryukyu Kingdom has taken since then has not been flat, but the sparkle of its own culture nurtured in the soil still captures our hearts.

A special exhibition “Ryukyu” focusing on the establishment and significance of Ryukyu culture and its aesthetic sense has opened at the Tokyo National Museum.

The skill and beauty of the Ryukyu Kingdom revived here.

The venue consists of five chapters: “Bridge of Nations Bell in Asia,” “Pride of the Kingship, Diplomacy and Culture,” “Prehistoric Culture of the Ryukyu Islands,” “Prayers with the People of the Islands,” and “To the Future.” The venue is divided into the first venue and the second venue, each of which has enough volume to compose one exhibition.

In this exhibition, various cultural assets such as archaeological relics and folk works will be gathered together in addition to historical materials and craft works from the Kingdom era and treasures handed down to the King Naoya. In addition, at the end of the exhibition, we will introduce the Ryukyu Kingdom Cultural Heritage Accumulation and Reconstruction Project, which has been undertaken since 2015, and display the cultural properties restored by the project.

I can feel the desire of the organizer to hand over the precious Ryukyu culture from the past to the future to the next generation.

The “Copper Bell” (in front of the former Engakuji Buddhist temple), which sits in the first venue, is a temple bell engraved with the words “Bridge of Nations”, which shows the spirit of the Ryukyu Kingdom as a bridge of the world.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ryukyu Kingdom flew into the seas of Asia and prospered as a base for relay trade connecting various parts of the country. Its existence is also emphasized by European countries that entered Asia in the 16th century, and the name “Ryukyu” became known to the world.
It is an idea that is similar to modern globalization, but it can be said that the scale of human beings and the size of their ambitions are isolated from the modern Japanese.

At the first venue, a number of valuable historical materials that trace the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom are exhibited.

At the venue, the treasures of Ryukyu culture such as Ryukyu lacquering, tea ware, and paintings by master craftsmen will be gathered. 73 national treasures, 20 important cultural properties, 38 prefectural and city designated important cultural properties, and about one-third are designated cultural properties, and it can be said that the quality and quantity of the exhibitions on the theme of Ryukyu and Okinawa are the largest. Let’s go.

Among them, the release of the three treasure swords that have been handed down to the Sho family, including the Aogai Raden sword sword fitting , is attracting attention. Not only the beauty of the blade and decoration, but also the three treasure swords were taken up in the blockbuster online game “Touken Ranbu” , and the appeal to the younger generation is increasing. Collaboration products with “Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-” are also on sale at the exhibition goods corner, so if you are interested, please stop by.

Looking around the venue, Ryukyu dyeing and weaving with a wide variety of materials and techniques, such as the formal wear of the King of Ryukyu, costumes using Chinese chintz, and floating fabrics woven in Ryukyu, are eye-catching. The exhibition in which Ryukyu dyeing and weaving is widely exhibited so far is a very valuable opportunity as far as I can remember.

“Scarlet ground wave cherry tree pattern Bingata cotton costume” is characterized by a landscape painting-like design with a large wave rising over the entire back. The mystery of the design, which combines the Toyama Sakura pattern from Japan and the Habuyama water pattern from China, strongly reflects the characteristics of Ryukyu culture, which has a rich international flavor.

Many people associate Okinawa with the image of a ritual represented by “Noro”. The characteristic of women in charge of rituals is similar to the “Onarigami belief” that sisters protect their brothers spiritually, and Ryukyu has nurtured such aesthetic sense and religious views in abundant nature.

At the end of the exhibition, we will focus on the “faith” aspect of Ryukyu culture and evoke the prayers of the people of Okinawa in our hearts. Yes, Okinawa has always been an island of prayer.

The vivid red lacquer lacquer peony peony peony rice offering was used in the royal government as a ritual tool for the Ryukyu royal family. It is an important ritual vessel in the history of Ryukyu lacquering, which is a collection of lacquering techniques such as woodworking and lacquering, and is considered to be a valuable work when considering the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Outline of the event

Legislative session	May 3rd (Tuesday / holiday) -June 26th (Sunday), 2022
venue	Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan (Ueno Park)
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 00 (admission is 30 minutes before closing)
closing day	Monday
Admission fee	General 2,100 yen University student 1,300 yen High school student 900 yen (Note) This exhibition does not require advance reservation. Please purchase a ticket at the ticket office at the main gate of the Tokyo National Museum when you visit the museum. (Note) You may have to wait for admission during times of congestion. (Note) Free for junior high school students and younger, persons with disabilities and one caregiver. Please present your student ID card, disability certificate, etc. when you enter the library. (Note) With this exhibition admission ticket, you can also see the comprehensive cultural exhibition only on the day of viewing. However, depending on the congestion of the comprehensive cultural exhibition, you may have to wait for admission. (Note) Some works will be changed during the exhibition period. (Note) For details, please see the ticket information page on the official exhibition website .
Exhibition official website	https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/ryukyu2022/

 

 

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Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

"Scottish National Gallery THE GREATS Beauty Masters" , which introduces the works of masters who colored the history of Western painting from the Renaissance period to the latter half of the 19th century, is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum from April 22 (Friday). The session is until July 3rd (Sun).

Since I participated in the press preview held prior to the opening, I will report on the state of the venue and the exhibited works.

The treasure of beauty that the Scottish National Gallery is proud of comes to Japan at once.

The Scottish National Gallery, opened in 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known as one of the world's leading museums with many collections of works by important painters in the history of Western painting, such as Raphael, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Boucher, Corot and Renoir.

"Scottish National Gallery THE GREATS Beauty Masters" introduces the works of such masters (THE GREATS) in chronological order.

In addition, the museum's collection is full of charm from England-born painters such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Miley, as well as outstanding Scottish painters such as Rayburn, Ramsey, Grant, and Wilkey, which are hard to find in Japan. Many masterpieces are also exhibited.

Through about 90 oil paintings, watercolors, and drawings , you can learn about the history of the trends and transitions of British painting in the flow of Western painting from the Renaissance period to the latter half of the 19th century.

prologue

This exhibition consists of four chapters, "Renaissance," "Baroque," "Grand Tour Era," and "Pioneers of the 19th Century," and a prologue + epilogue.

First, in the prologue, we will introduce the Scottish National Gallery.

There are many exhibitions that introduce the museums that rent out their works with photographs and movies, but in the prologue of this exhibition, the state of the museum where the museum's collection is still exhibited and its neoclassical architecture are wonderful. It is interesting to see the impressive cityscape of Edinburgh surrounding the museum with paintings.

If you think "Is it a temple?", This is a museum … An elaborate and romantic watercolor painting with the Edinburgh Castle in the back, which is full of extraordinary feeling like a fantasy world. The museum information that I usually throw away in "Hmm" is completely burned into my memory.

Chapter 1. Renaissance

Next, go to the exhibition area of "Chapter 1. Renaissance". Exhibits creative paintings and drawings from the Renaissance, which flourished around Florence, Venice and Rome.

Leonardo da Vinci's teacher, Verrocchio, depicts the ruined temple in "The Virgin of Worship of the Infant Christ (" Our Lady of Ruskin ")", which is unusual for the background of the Madonna and Child of this era. .. It can be said that it is an important example showing the characteristics of the Renaissance of "rediscovery and analysis of the ancient world" in religious paintings.

On the other hand, there are also unprecedented secular works such as Bordone's "Venice Women in Makeup", which refined the sensual theme of a high-class whore showing skin with mythical and allegorical metaphors. Taking up what has come to be drawn, it introduces the expansion of activity opportunities for artists of this era and the variety of interests and tastes of clients.

There is also an exhibition of beautiful drawings of Raphael and Titian, and an unfinished work "Allegory of Virtue (Unfinished)", which is said to be by Correggio and is more valuable than the finished product (?). It is a fascinating work that makes you imagine the completed "Mottainai" at the same time as you feel sorry for seeing the three-dimensional effect of a woman on the right side of the screen like CG. Although the number of works was small at 12 points, it was impressive.

Chapter 2. Baroque

"Chapter 2. Baroque" features works by innovative 17th-century European painters such as Velázquez and Rembrandt who tried to overturn the traditional worldview.

The early masterpiece of the Spanish painter Velázquez, who created unprecedented realism paintings by raising the small subjects of everyday life to the realm of great art, is the first visit to Japan at this exhibition.

The skin and clothes of the boy and the old woman, as well as the texture of the tableware and ingredients in the foreground are skillfully drawn, and the dramatic light and dark depiction creates a solemn atmosphere with the ordinary motifs of the common people. It's amazing because this is a work I drew when I was 18 or 19 years old …

Also noteworthy is the mysterious work "Woman in Bed" by Rembrandt, the greatest artist of the 17th century Holland, who gave the characters of the Bible and myth a deep humanity and struck a chord with the viewer.

Although the subject-specific elements are avoided, it seems that Sarah, whose groom was killed by the devil seven times on the first night of marriage, is watching the battle between her new husband Tobia and the devil in the Old Testament. It is said that. The complex facial expressions that cast shadows on the face, anticipation and anxiety, and above all, convey the urgency, make me feel like Rembrandt's skillful emotional expression.

Van Dyck's "Portrait of Marquis Ambrogio Spinola (1569-1630)", which had a great influence on later British art in the field of portraiture, was also impressive, but what was particularly interesting in this "Baroque" area was. It was the Italian painter Leni's "Crown of Moses and Pharaoh".

The work of Reni, who has a graceful human body, clear outlines, and a balanced composition, has been described as "a painter next to Raphael" in academism and "a genius like a god" by Goethe. It's a strange finish, or something strange, saying, "Women's skin is too green, isn't it? Women are generally blurry compared to men …". I opened the official catalog, thinking that there must be some intention.

Then, it was written that "Leni in his later years was making a work with a technique that seems to be rough and unfinished, but this work may be really unfinished", and it was a little ridiculous. The misunderstanding makes researchers cry. The person who wrote Leni's biography said that he was bitterly describing it as "a messy technique that seems to have been drawn in a hurry." I didn't know that he was the type who polluted the late evening. But this is nice with a mysterious atmosphere.

Chapter 3. The Age of Grand Tour

The 18th century was an era of explosive artistic talent in cities such as Paris, London and Venice. It was also a time when British collectors made a large-scale trip to Europe called the "Grand Tour" with the aim of purchasing art and deepening their cultural culture. "Chapter 3. The Age of the Grand Tour" introduces works from these two perspectives.

Immediately after entering the exhibition area, he established the genre of "Bird's Nest" and was filled with the charm of the innovator Watteau, who imagined a fantastic utopia. Exhibits three idyllic and romantic masterpieces by. You will be drawn into the gorgeous Rococo world that symbolizes Paris in the 18th century.

On the other hand, as the expression of portraits developed in Britain around this time, Ramsey, Reynolds, and Gainsborough, who are called the three major portrait painters in Britain, are introduced in this exhibition as well.

Of particular note is Reynolds from England, who was the first president of the Royal Academy.

The masterpiece "Waldegrave Ladies" is a work that is difficult to understand at first glance because it does not face the front like a normal portrait. Three women are doing handicrafts, but they are as elegant as a salon. The composition of the three women lined up is likened to the traditional theme of classical art, "Three Goddesses," and thanks to that, it has a timeless beauty. This is a work that symbolizes Reynolds who tried to raise the status of portraits by incorporating "Grand Manners (style of historical painting)".

Also, Gainsborough's "Portrait of Serena Thistleswaite on Norman Court", a rival of Reynolds and a respectful relationship with each other, is a must-see for the very bold and quick brushstrokes around the skirt. .. Even though it seems to be a little rough finish, when you look at it from a distance, the glossy texture is beautifully expressed, and it should feel like magic.

Gainsborough succeeded in portraiture, but he actually wanted to be a landscape painter. Does a high level of interest in landscapes create a unique atmosphere on the screen? His work, which fuses people and landscapes, is somewhat lyrical.

Italy is a place visited by British collectors enthusiastically on the "Grand Tour", and by one of the most famous painters in Venice in the 18th century, Guardi, a "landscape map (Veduta)" depicting the cityscape in detail. Was also very popular.

I can't leave memories of a fun trip in the photos like in the present age, so I feel a sense of familiarity when I think that everyone bought them as souvenirs. The charm is the quick brush strokes reminiscent of the Impressionists and the style that consciously incorporates the feeling of light and air, which is different from the geographic landscape paintings that have been accurately contoured up to that point.

The Road to Camaldoli, created by the English painter Cousins from a sketch of a trip to Italy, was also an unobtrusive but beautiful work. It is a watercolor painting of the bay of Pozzuoli in Naples, and the scenery is different between the sketch and the finished product.

The subdued tones of soft green and bluish grey create a melancholy atmosphere, but the distant sea and sky are fantastic with a hint of rosy light. This landscape is not just a record, but a poetic reconstruction within the painter. For the artists, it seemed to convey how special the land of Italy at this time was.

Chapter 4. Pioneers of the 19th Century

Britain and France in the 19th century continued to favor portraits and landscape paintings, while revolutionary painters such as the Barbizon school, who were active in the middle of the century, and the subsequent Impressionists and Post-Impressionists made a big difference. "Chapter 4. Pioneers of the 19th Century" to introduce that.

As an example of a brilliant and traditional "Grand Manor" portrait, the highlights are the masterpieces of Scottish painters Rayburn and Grant, who are rarely seen in Japan.

Inspired by Reynolds and Gainsborough, which I introduced earlier, the English-born painter Miley's "" Sweet eyes unparalleled in ancient times "" is impressive with clear eyes that look at the harsh reality that will come in a wistful manner. .. While there were many portraits dressed up perfectly, the clothes and hairstyles were plain and simple, and on the contrary, they looked fresh.

It is a work with a very sentimental atmosphere, based on keen observation, and the title is taken from the poem of the female poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It is said to express the innocence and fragility of a growing girl along with the picked violet flowers. Thus, the major painters of this era tended to personally interpret the themes of literature and stories.

Don't miss The Vale of Dedham, a master of 19th-century English landscape painting, Constable. This work depicts the rural landscape of his hometown, which he loved, and how the latest attention is paid to the shadows cast by clouds and the plants that seem to convey the feel and coldness of touching them. It is a masterpiece that he described as "probably my masterpiece", feeling the wonderful naturalism unique to him.

In France, painters have emerged who directly copy the subject and praise the color and light. In this exhibition, follow the transition of the expressions of the revolutionary painters who created the era while being controversial and were widely loved, with works centered on masters such as Corot, Sisley, Renoir, Manet, and Gauguin. increase.

epilogue

In the epilogue, there is only one work, the masterpiece of the American painter Church, "Niagara Falls seen from the American side".

If you don't look closely, you won't notice it, but there is an observatory on the cliff on the left side of the screen, and there is a small figure looking into the waterfall. In contrast to this figure, this is the largest work in this exhibition, which beautifully expresses the wonders of Niagara Falls, the sublime and dramatic scale. (257.5 x 227.3 cm)

It is a masterpiece suitable for decorating the last, but despite having consciously taken up English and Scottish painters so far, I wonder why the works of American painters who painted American nature suddenly appeared. and. Yasuyuki Takashiro, curator of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, explained the reason as follows.

"It's a work donated to the Scottish National Gallery for his hometown by a successful, fortune-making businessman born in a poor Scottish family. The Scottish National Gallery was initially funded to buy paintings. The reason why we were able to form such a high quality and wonderful collection now is that we have a history of receiving donations from local celebrities and citizens and purchasing works with donations. The work symbolizes the history of the Scottish National Gallery's collection formation and marks the end of this exhibition as a monumental work. "

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"Scottish National Gallery THE GREATS Beauty Masters" highlights the masterpieces of Scottish and English painters while introducing the works of Western painting masters from the Renaissance to the latter half of the 19th century. It will be held until July 3, 2022 (Sun).

Overview of "Scottish National Gallery THE GREATS Beauty Masters"

Legislative session	April 22nd (Friday) -July 3rd (Sunday), 2022
venue	Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Planning Exhibition Room
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 30, Fridays 9: 30-20: 00 (admission is 30 minutes before closing) * Please check the official exhibition website for information on opening at night.
closing day	Monday (but open on May 2nd)
Admission fee	General 1900 yen / College student / vocational school student 1300 yen / 65 years old and over 1400 yen * It is a reservation system with a designated date and time. For other details, please check the official website of the exhibition .
Organizer	Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mainichi Newspapers, NHK, NHK Promotion
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello dial)
Exhibition official website	https://greats2022.jp

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

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National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art (Ueno, Tokyo), which had been closed for about a year and a half due to facility maintenance, was reopened on April 9, 2022!

In this article, the front yard, designed by French architect Le Corbusier (1887-1965), who is called the "father of modern architecture", has been restored to its original appearance in 1959, and is open to the public for free. A detailed report on changes after the renewal, such as "Century Hall" .

At the same time, we will also introduce the newly opened small exhibitions "Toward Harmony: The Second Machine Age of Le Corbusier Art-From the Taisei Collection" and "New Collection Print Collection Exhibition".

The National Museum of Western Art, which is closer to what it was when it opened

At the press conference and renewal preview held the day before the reopening, I quickly visited the National Museum of Western Art after construction.

In the construction work that started in October 2020, the air conditioning and waterproof equipment of the exhibition hall were renewed, but the appearance of the front yard is what you can see and feel the renewal.

The front yard of the museum has undergone various modifications since its opening in 1959. This was to improve the function and convenience of the museum, but when the entire site including the main building and the front yard was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2016, the original design intention of the front yard was partially lost. It seems that he was pointed out that he was being damaged.

Therefore, in order to convey the intention designed by Le Corbusier correctly and to increase the value of the building, the museum decided to return the front yard to the original appearance as much as possible in accordance with the facility maintenance .

The first thing I noticed when I visited the museum after the renewal was that the plants on the southwest side were almost removed and that the site of the museum was clearly visible from the garden road of Ueno Park. ..

If you have seen the appearance before the renewal, please remember the scene at that time.

The photo above is the place where there was a planting area with a path before the renewal. It was a lot refreshing!

The front yard had a slightly closed atmosphere due to the planting and the fence surrounding the site, but this time it has been restored to the appearance of an open open space at the time of opening. In order to maintain continuity with Ueno Park, the fence was made transparent as it was at the time of opening, so that the line of sight can be seen from both the garden road side and the museum side.

The approach to the main building and the arrangement of the sculptures, which Le Corbusier had in mind, were as close as possible to the original appearance of the museum.

First, the entrance on the west side (fountain square side), which was once treated as the main gate, has a shape close to the original state. At the same time, the floor line drawn to guide visitors from this western entrance has also been restored.

The floor line extends straight to the east towards the Gate of Hell. Along the line, while watching Rodin's "The Thinker (enlarged work)" on the right and "Citizen of Curry" on the left, the line branches to the left and invites people into the main building.

At the time of design, Le Corbusier envisioned an "infinite growth museum" in which a core room was first created in the center, and as the collection increased, the exhibition space was expanded in a spiral shape on the outside.

Kyo Fukuda, an expert at the museum, said, "The flow continues from the front yard to the piloti (a space with a colonnade consisting of only pillars), which is the concept of the Museum of Infinite Growth, and then to the central hall. However, as you shift your gaze, the scene changes one after another, and Le Corbusier often uses the technique of inviting people to move in a natural direction without using signs such as arrows. "

Also, on the floor of the vestibule, you will notice that in addition to the flow lines, fine joints spread out like a ghost leg.

This is assigned by "Modulor" , a scale devised by Le Corbusier based on the dimensions and golden ratio of the human body. Although it was before the renewal, it was difficult to understand the design because the joints as the original design and the joints that divide the concrete panel were mixed. Also, it seems that the position of some of the joints as a design has changed from when it opened.

With this renewal, the joints of the concrete panels have also been allocated with Modulor so as not to spoil the aesthetics, and the details have been restored.

By the way, it is the joint of the floor of this front yard, but it seems that the layout, width and position of the sash of the window of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan opposite is completely compatible!

The design of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan was done by Kunio Maekawa, a disciple of Le Corbusier who was also involved in the design of the National Museum of Western Art, so is it a homage to his master? Please compare them when you visit.

The atrium space "19th Century Hall" in the main building is open for free!

Upon reopening, the atrium space "19th Century Hall" in the center of the main building, which used to be a paid area, will be open for free for the time being! (A viewing ticket is required from the slope leading to the exhibition room on the 2nd floor)

The "19th Century Hall", where the appearance of soft natural light entering from the triangular skylight is impressive, is a place where the space itself is like a sculpture. It is the starting point of the permanent exhibition, and if you go up the slope to the second floor, you can see the exhibition rooms arranged in a corridor shape so as to surround the hall.

The spiral flow line starting from the "19th Century Hall" reflects the idea of Le Corbusier's "Museum of Infinite Growth". If you climb the gently sloping slope, you can see the paintings on the second floor behind the pillars … Again, you can enjoy the scenery that changes while you move. Experience the world of Le Corbusier in the "19th Century Hall" along with the renewed front yard.

There is a new mechanism in the permanent exhibition!

There is also a change in the permanent exhibition where you can appreciate Western paintings and modern French sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, centered on the "Matsukata Collection" built by businessman Kojiro Matsukata.

The permanent exhibition is full of works by masters representing the times, such as Monet of "Water Lily", Delacroix, Rubens, Cezanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and so on. It is an exhibition full of incredible highlights that you can put in for 500 yen.

According to Director Masayuki Tanaka, the exhibition method of the permanent exhibition has been reconsidered in line with the renewal, and the works are arranged in a slightly different way.

"It's a secret exhibition, with modern works mixed in with old-age paintings. Look at why modern works are mixed there and what you're trying to show. I would appreciate it. " There is also a new pickup introduction section for the work "Collection in FOCUS", so please check it out.

I would like to introduce some of the works that may be new faces of the permanent exhibition, such as new collection works and first exhibition works.

Since it was a big deal, I took a leisurely tour of the permanent exhibition. Personally, the exhibition room of this permanent exhibition is a fun place to have a moment when I feel like I'm lost in a forest without an exit, "Where am I now?" Does the fact that the walls are installed like blindfolds in some places give an unpredictable feeling and a maze feeling? I felt the essence of "Infinite Growth Museum" even in such a place.

Two types of small exhibitions will open at the same time!

A small exhibition "Towards Harmony: The Second Machine Age of Le Corbusier Art-From the Taisei Collection", which introduces paintings and drawings produced by Le Corbusier in his later years from April 9th, in line with the reopening. Is being held.

Approximately 20 works (about 30 including replacement) will be exhibited, centered on the works deposited by Taisei Corporation, which holds the world's leading collection of Le Corbusier.

A lineup of works that have changed direction from the early Purist style and aimed at the fusion of natural figures and strict geometric compositions, and the harmony between humans and machines, emotions and rationality, and art and science. It seems to be a thing, but at my level, I didn't really understand that. (I was watching the pictures of animals while thinking that they were charming and cute)

The images do not overlap so much between the building and the painting. However, when I watched this small exhibition after going around the National Museum of Western Art, I was wondering, "Oh, I wonder if this building and the creator of the work are the same."

I heard that the dimensions of "Modulor" mentioned earlier are used not only in the front yard but also in various parts of the main building. For that reason, I feel that a unique rhythm and harmony is born in the space. Is there an overlap between the architecture where regularity and unexpectedness coexist and the painting which seems to be unordered and harmonious as a whole? It was an exhibition that I thought.

At the "New Collection Print Collection Exhibition" that opened at the same time, we will introduce works that have been newly collected since 2015 from the print collection of the museum, which has more than 4,500 items. From the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 20th century, you can enjoy a variety of print expressions, including works by masters such as Durer and Rembrandt.

From June 4th, "National Museum of Western Art Renewal Opening Memorial Nature and People Dialogue Friedrich, Monet, Van Gogh to Richter" will be held

At the press conference, a special exhibition "National Museum of Western Art Renewal Opening Memorial", which is scheduled to be held from June 4, 2022, was born from a joint project with the Volkwang Museum in Germany. From Friedrich, Monet, Goch to Richter. Also introduced.

From the collections of both buildings, more than 100 paintings, drawings, prints and photographs from German Romanticism to 20th century paintings are exhibited, centered on Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. It introduces the development of sensibility and artistic expression for nature in modern times, which was born from the dialogue between nature and people (dialog).

Van Gogh's masterpiece of landscape painting, "Pruning (Wheat field behind Saint-Paul Hospital, where there are pruners)" is coming to Japan for the first time , and the Finnish painter Gallen, who is attracting worldwide attention. Carrera's work is also released for the first time in Japan. You can enjoy a variety of natural expressions by co-starring masters such as Manet, Signac, Munch, Hodler, and Ernst.

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The National Museum of Western Art has made a fresh start. Before viewing, please enjoy the front yard where you can feel the thought of Le Corbusier.

■ National Museum of Western Art Information

Location: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 9: 30-17: 30 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) * Admission is 30 minutes before closing
Official site: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/

・ Small exhibition "Toward Harmony: The Second Machine Age of Le Corbusier Art-From the Taisei Collection"
Session: April 9th (Sat) -September 19th (Monday / holiday), 2022
Venue: National Museum of Western Art, New Building, 1st floor, 1st exhibition room

・ Small exhibition "New Collection Print Collection Exhibition"
Session: April 9th (Sat) -May 22nd (Sun), 2022
Venue: National Museum of Western Art New Building 2nd Floor Print Drawing Exhibition Room

・ Special exhibition "National Museum of Western Art Reopening Memorial Nature and People Dialogue Friedrich, Monet, Van Gogh to Richter"
Session: June 4th (Sat) -September 11th (Sun), 2022
Venue: National Museum of Western Art

* Please check the official website for closed days and admission fees.

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

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National Science Museum

A special exhibition "Jewelry Earth Creates Kiseki" is being held at the National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno, Tokyo), which is a collection of a wide variety of jewelery and gorgeous jewelery made from them. The session is from February 19th (Sat) to June 19th (Sun).

I have participated in the news gathering and the press preview held prior to the event, so I will report on the situation at the venue.

Kazureza is also curious! An exhibition where you can see all about gems

Most gems are minerals formed inside the earth. Through the combination of various geological processes, minerals that meet all the requirements of gemstones such as beauty, durability and moderate size are rarely produced and have long been revered because of their rarity.

In ancient times, it was used as a talisman, amulet, and a symbol of status and power. Now as a jewelery. The jewels, which shine beautifully and have mystery and strength in their undying appearance, have fascinated people all over the world over time.

The special exhibition "Gemstones of the Earth" will showcase about 200 types of gemstones, including rough (raw stone) and loose (polished stone), as well as jewelry from the world-famous jewelry collection, including Albion art. It is a content that comprehensively introduces "gems" from a scientific and cultural perspective while showing the real thing, such as the mechanism of birth of gemstones, history, properties, diversity, processing technology, etc.

Kazureza, a talent who was the official ambassador of the exhibition and was also in charge of the audio guide navigator, appeared at the interview.

Mr. Kazureza says that there is so much to learn about this exhibition. "Every gem has its own characteristics, and if you look at how it changes color when exposed to light, how hard it is, how it cracks, etc., you can find out more about various things by derivation. I think it's okay, "and suggests how to enjoy it.

At the end of the interview, he said, "I don't say anything about gems and minerals, but it was interesting that human perception of them changed with history. Please come and visit us." rice field.

In addition, Ritsuro Miyawaki, director of the Department of Earth Sciences, National Museum of Nature and Science, who is the supervisor of this exhibition, talks about his thoughts on this exhibition as follows.

"Jewelry has been close to our lives since ancient times as an entity that enriches and enhances people's lives and enriches our lives not only as a practical product in real life, but rather as a presence that enriches our lives. I hope that you will make use of this exhibition to deepen your perspective on the background and the knowledge that you can fully enjoy the secret of its beauty while looking back at. "

Chapter 1 Birth of rough stone

I will take up some specific exhibition contents.

In "Chapter 1 Birth of Gemstones", four types of occurrence (igneous rocks, lodes, pegmatites, metamorphic rocks) are presented with large specimens of various rocks including gemstones. ) Is introduced separately.

For example, the rough stones found in "igneous rocks" formed by the cooling and solidification of magma are diamonds and peridots. Amethyst and rock crystals are said to be the rough stones found in the "lode", which is the trace of hot hot water that exists deep underground and has risen through cracks in the bedrock.

The visuals of the rough stones are unique, such as tourmaline, which looks like an artificial object with some energy, and malachite, which is crystallized like a round mycelium. In addition, a pallasite meteorite containing peridot was also exhibited as an extraterrestrial rough stone.

In Chapter 1, you can also see the huge amethyst dome with a height of about 2.5 m, which was excavated from the lava plateau in Brazil, which was glimpsed in the photo earlier. It is spectacular to see a large number of amethyst shining so much that you can hear the sound. This is the highlight of this exhibition.

Chapter 2 From rough stones to gems

"Chapter 2 From Gemstones to Gemstones" introduces the processing technology from rough stone mining to cutting (molding and polishing processes). For example, we display a process sample of a round brilliant cut (58-sided cut) designed as a cut that maximizes the charm of diamonds, and explain in an easy-to-understand manner how rough stones become beautiful gems.

Of the jewelry of the "Hashimoto Collection" collected by antique collector Nuki Hashimoto (1924-2018) at auctions around the world over 15 years, about 200 rings with jewels set were produced. Exhibitions arranged in order. You can trace the history of gem cutting for about 4000 years.

If you are an antique jewelery enthusiast, the lineup is so varied and diverse that you can watch it for hours on its own. You should be aware of various things by watching along with the times, such as "Until the 16th century, hemispherical smooth cuts (cabochon cuts) were the mainstream."

Chapter 3 Gem Characteristics and Diversity

In "Chapter 3 Characteristics and Diversity of Gemstones", rough (raw stone) and loose (polishing) are explained while scientifically explaining the characteristics that are the value standards of gemstones such as "brilliance", "glitter", "color" and "strength". Introducing more than 200 kinds of gems at once, centering on stones).

You can learn about the characteristics and variety of each gem, from the four major gems of diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald to rare stones such as phosphophyllite, and biological gems such as pearls and corals. ..

At the exhibition, I was surprised at the surprising abundance of color variations of garnet with a red image, but it seems that garnet is actually a group name rather than a single mineral species. The difference in color is also related to the difference in mineral species.

Tourmaline, which is also a group name, is not only bicolor (2 colors) and tricolor (3 colors), which have different colors depending on the part of one crystal, but also pleochroism and light source, which have different colors depending on the viewing direction. A jewel that is fun to look at and may have discoloration that changes color depending on the color.

I also found a rough opal with a psychedelic and cool visual. Ruth had an elegant impression and was attracted to the gap. It is the real pleasure of this exhibition that you can see the difference between the impressions of rough and loose as well as opal with your own eyes.

What you should check in Chapter 3 is the "Jewel that glows with ultraviolet rays (fluorescence)" corner. In a small dark room, you can enjoy the co-starring of fantastic light emitted by various stones, including fluorite (fluorite), which is typical of fluorescent materials. The dark brown amber glows light blue, while the ruby has a stronger red color, which makes it exciting.

There is also a "Japanese jewel" corner. I knew that Japanese gems could be pearls and jade, but you can also find topaz, garnet, rubies, sapphires, amethyst, and road crosite. I heard many voices of visitors who were surprised at the variety of types.

The one that had an impact was the "Giant Jewels" corner. At the exhibition, which is the largest collection of 20 kinds of gemstones, the largest rock crystal is "21290.00ct", which is a carat number that I have never seen or heard, and I laughed unintentionally. I don't think I can lift it with both hands … With such a large size, I am grateful that I can firmly recognize the beauty of fine cuts.

Chapter 4 Jewelery Techniques

Beautifully shining loose becomes jewelry for the first time when it is housed in a precious metal bezel (pedestal) such as gold or platinum, which also plays a role of enhancing the loose while shining on its own.

In "Chapter 4 Jewelery Techniques", we focus on jewelry setting (tailoring) techniques. To show that excellent settings add more value to jewelery, the artistic design gems of the high jewelery maison "Van Cleef & Arpels", which has its head office in Paris, and the jewelery brand "Gimmel" from Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. Introducing many.

Especially eye-catching in terms of setting is Van Cleef & Arpels's "Grape Leaf Clip", a work using rubies and diamonds. Do you see that you can't see the precious metal that holds the fine rubies in a mosaic style?

It is said that the "mystery set", a patented technology of the same brand that fixes the claws and protrusions that support the loose so that they cannot be seen from the outside, is used for this. There was only technology that required extremely high expertise, and no matter how much I looked around, I couldn't understand how the stones were set … It is a wonderful design that you can enjoy the harmony of the pure colors of ruby.

Chapter 5 The Extreme of Jewels

In ancient times, it was processed into rings and pendants as a talisman and amulet, and in the era of the Renaissance, which transitioned from the Middle Ages to the early modern period, it became a brooch or necklace that was easily noticed by people as a symbol of the "pride" and power of the royal aristocrats. A jewel that has been tailored.

It is said that jewels that existed only for a limited number of people, changing their roles depending on the times, have been handed down as historical works of art and cultural properties that transcend the boundaries of ornaments.

In "Chapter 5 Jewelery Extremities", about 60 selected works of art are exhibited, from the Albion Art Collection, a global jewelry collection, to works made in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, to 20th century jewelery. You can appreciate the history of supreme beauty that is a fusion of nature and culture.

What caught my eye was the chest decoration that Alphonse Mucha, a painter who was very popular with Japanese people, co-produced with Georges Bouquet, who aspired to revolutionize jewelry. This work is said to be a monumental work at the height of Art Nouveau, but it has a romantic design such as a flower pattern surrounding a maiden statue reminiscent of a muse, an arrow reminiscent of Cupid, and a pearl connected by a chain. It's very adorable.

At the second venue, which is the last of this exhibition, the top three works of the "JJA Jewelry Design Award", a competition aimed at developing Japanese jewelry and disseminating the talents of creators and craftsmen, are on display. The line of sight is glued to the design.

Among them, "Twinkle ~ Memories of the Stars ~" by Mr. Yasushi Uekubo, who won the Grand Prix, is the most fascinating piece of jewelry that I personally exhibited. This work is based on the meteor shower that the creator saw as a child, and uses diamonds, platinum, white gold, and yellow gold to express the twinkling of star shadows shining in the night sky and the trajectory and afterglow of the brilliance left by the meteors. It seems to be. A necklace with a very unique yet sophisticated elegance.

When I was very satisfied with the antique jewelry full of gems that remain in the history of beauty, I was presented with a brilliant masterpiece that said, "Modern designers are not defeated!" It was a unique exhibition.

In this exhibition, the characters from "Nanatsuya Shinobu no Jewel Box" serialized in "Kiss" (Kodansha) by manga artist Tomoko Ninomiya will show you around the venue, as well as illustrations drawn at the second venue. Also on display are three works drawn by a colored pencil writer, Mr. Neko wearing boots, so fans shouldn't miss it.

Ritsuro Miyawaki of the National Museum of Nature and Science said in the PR of this exhibition as follows.
“The most important thing to see in the museum exhibition is the“ real thing ”. I don't have many chances to see the real thing, but this venue collects and concentrates them. Come to the venue and see the real thing. Please find your favorite stone. "

This exhibition, which is full of dazzling brilliance, made me feel "I want you to see the real thing, not photos and videos!" While learning the reasons for the beauty of gemstones, please take a look at the history of beauty that humankind has accumulated.

Outline of the special exhibition "Jewelry of the Earth"

Legislative session	February 19th (Sat) -June 19th (Sun), 2022 * The session is subject to change.
venue	National Science Museum Earth Pavilion B1F Special Exhibition Room
Opening hours	9:00 to 17:00 (admission is until 16:30)
closing day	Monday (closed on the following Tuesday if it is a national holiday) * However, it will be open on March 28th, May 2nd, and June 13th.
Admission (tax included)	General / university students 2,000 yen, elementary / middle / high school students 600 yen * Reservation required by date and time * Please check the official website of the exhibition for details.
Organizer	National Museum of Nature and Science, TBS, Yomiuri Shimbun
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello dial)
Exhibition official website	https://hoseki-ten.jp

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Tokyo National Museum

Kuya was one of the first to spread the Amida faith to the people in the middle of the Heian period.

A special exhibition "Sora and other superiors and Rokuharamitsuji" is held at Tokyo National Museum, where famous treasures of Kamakura sculptures such as the statue of a superior who is handed down to Rokuharamitsuji Temple built by Kuya Shonin and the statue of the four heavenly kings built under him are gathered. The curtain opened at the museum.

At the Tokyo National Museum, a special exhibition "Kuya Jonin and Rokuharamitsuji" is being held, focusing on the famous treasures of Kuya Shonin and Rokuharamitsuji.
As you know, Kuya Shonin is a monk who spread the Amida belief that if you sing Namu Amida Buddhism, the paradise Pure Land will come true.

The time when this Kuya superior lived was in the middle of the Heian period. This era was also a time when society was hit by great turmoil, such as the loosening of the Ritsuryo system itself and the resulting turmoil in Johei and Tengyo.

Many people were sick due to the pandemic that spread to the capital of Kyoto in the 5th year of the Tenryaku era (951). He showed the way of salvation.

And time has passed, and this year marks the 150th anniversary of the death of the sky and others. Curiously, the world is in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic called the Corona Sorrow.

I'm not the only one who feels the sign of a mysterious era and the timing of this exhibition.

In this exhibition, the statue of Kuya Kamito was exhibited in Tokyo for the first time in half a century, and the statues of the four heavenly kings produced under Kuya Kamito, the Jizo Bodhisattva statue by Jocho, and Unkei's work. Masterpieces of sculptures from Heian to Kamakura, such as the sitting statue of Jizo Bodhisattva, are gathered together.

The exhibition venue is 5 special rooms in the main building of the Tokyo National Museum. Since it is an exhibition space with only one room, the site area is not so large, but the space where masterpiece sculptures from the Kamakura period gather is just a masterpiece. In addition, depending on the exhibited works, including Kuya Kamito, the statue can be viewed from 360 ° in all directions, so there are many things to see.

In particular, you can take a closer look at the halo part (a visual expression of the light emitted from the gods and Buddha), which you rarely see on a daily basis, so please try to find your own "pushing angle".

When you step into the venue, the Jizo Bodhisattva statue , which sits in front of you, is a masterpiece of Heian sculpture with graceful coloring, and the well-balanced body balance and the three-dimensional composition of the gentle curved surface shine. The clothes are decorated with pretty chrysanthemum flowers, which makes you feel the skill of the Great Buddha Jocho.

Rokuharamitsuji Temple was located outside Heiankyo at that time, and is the entrance to Toribeno, the place of funeral procession in Kyoto. For this reason, it is a special place that has been regarded as the boundary between "that world" and "this world", but Rokuharamitsuji has been hit by many disasters and wars since its construction.

What is exhibited in this exhibition are miraculous items that have been passed down to the present day after overcoming those disasters. It may be good to think not only of its artistic value but also of the depth of faith at that time through the work.

The sitting statue of Taira no Kiyomori is believed to have been created by a Buddhist priest of the Kei school, and although there is no evidence, it is said to be a statue of Taira no Kiyomori. It is a mysterious statue.
Kiyomori sits in the form of a shaved monk, holding a scroll in both hands and crossing his legs as if looking at it. According to one theory, it was made to prevent Kiyomori's grudges, but while looking at the books, a meditative expression is impressive. What was Kiyomori, who once enjoyed the world, thinking at this time?

The statue of Kuya Kamito , owned by Rokuharamitsuji Temple, made in the early 13th century is one of the most famous portrait sculptures in Japan.
It is a work that is well known to the younger generation who do not know the achievements of Kuya Shonin and the official name of this statue because the unique modeling that the Buddha appears from the mouth is eye-catching.

The author is believed to be Kosho, the fourth son of Unkei, a Buddhist priest who represents the Kamakura period. It is said that this statue was created about 250 years after the death of Kuya, but it is characterized by its realism as if it had been created by witnessing him. The figure of a slim priest who beats a shoko, chanting a Buddhist priest, and walks while sticking a deer wand. The creativity that shaped the intangible voice is nothing but a hat.

This exhibition can be viewed from 360 ° in all directions. The shins and calves trained by walking around the city, the expression as if listening to the voice asking for help … I would like you to appreciate the work while remembering the appearance of Kuya's superiors. ..

Outline of the special exhibition "Kuya Kamito and Rokuharamitsuji"

Legislative session	March 1st (Tuesday) -May 8th (Sunday), 2022
venue	Tokyo National Museum Main Building Special 5 Rooms
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 00
closing day	Monday, 3/22 (Tue) * However, 3/21, 3/28, 5/2 are open
Organizer	Tokyo National Museum, Rokuharamitsuji Temple, Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, BS Asahi
Exhibition official website	https://kuya-rokuhara.exhibit.jp/

* The content of the article is as of the time of publication. Please note that the information may differ from the latest information.

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

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Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

“Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” by Johannes Vermeer, a painter representing the 17th century Holland. The exhibition “Vermeer and 17th Century Dutch Painting Exhibition in the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum” will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum for the first time in the world to show the “original appearance” restored by the large-scale restoration work. It is being held.
The session is from February 10th (Thursday) to April 3rd (Sunday), 2022.

Since I participated in the press preview held prior to the event, I will report on the contents of the exhibition.

* All works without special mention are in the collection of the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum.

Cupid’s painting that appeared in “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window”

“Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” in the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum, where a large-scale restoration project was carried out from 2017 to 2021. Johannes Vermeer (1632-75) is an early masterpiece shortly after turning from historical painting to genre painting. It is a turning point where the Vermeer-like style that we know today, such as the expression of light coming in through the window and the image of a woman reading a letter indoors, has been established.

The biggest change in this modified work was the restoration of Cupid’s painting, which was hidden behind the wall.
Originally, the existence of the painting itself was revealed by an X-ray survey conducted in 1979, but it has been thought that the artist himself painted it. However, in the process of the restoration project, it turned out that it was overcoated by a third party after Vermeer’s death.

A team of experts has decided to bring the film back to a state close to 1658 from Vermeer’s atelier. After the restoration, it was first unveiled at the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum, and then it was to be exhibited at this exhibition ahead of the rest of the world.

Cupid, the god of love depicted in the painting, has a somewhat proud expression while trampling on the mask that symbolizes lies and deception.

According to the exhibition commentary, the prototype of this Cupid is in the iconography collection that was popular at that time. The implication is that “honest love overcomes lies and hypocrisy”, and it is clear that the letter that the woman is reading is a love letter, and she can receive a message related to allegory.

Next to this work, a replica before restoration is displayed, so you can enjoy comparing the differences.

The woman before the restoration had a mysterious impression that her emotions could not be read, and she received some gloomy signs such as sadness and disappointment. When I watched this work after restoration on the premise of a love letter, I noticed redness on my cheeks, and I felt that the gently dropped eyes had a deep feeling for the other party of the letter. The appearance has changed considerably.

It is also noteworthy that the varnish and stains that have discolored due to aging have been removed, making the entire screen brighter. The white of the wall is remarkable, but the Vermeer blue of the window frame and the red of the tapestry spreading in front of the screen are also vivid. The expression of light by Vermeer’s specialty pointier technique (a technique of drawing light reflections and highlights with white dots), which is seen in female blonde hair, seemed to shine more beautifully.

The balance of the standing figure of the woman surrounded by curtains, tapestries, window frames, chairs, and paintings is calculated, giving the impression that the depth is emphasized without cluttering the screen. It’s also interesting that Cupid is arranged so that he can open the curtain and secretly look into the female figure.

 

By the way, I was thinking that it would be unavoidable to feel that the screen became narrower due to the appearance of the in-picture image that occupies about a quarter of the screen … Actually, before and after the restoration, I noticed that the screen was really narrow. The edges of the screen are gradually disappearing from the top, bottom, left, right, and all four sides.

Why? When I checked the official catalog, it seems that the four sides were also removed because it was discovered that it was a top coat by a third party. Originally, that part was unfinished, or it was just left unerased from the painted wine glass and just uneven shades.

Uta Knighthardt, a senior curator at the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum, may have originally hidden the four sides with a picture frame. I speculated that elements that now seem to be missing, such as the top of the curtain rod, were drawn directly on the frame for the purpose of enhancing the optical illusion effect.

I don’t know the truth, but in any case, the long-loved Girl Reading a Letter at the Window has undergone a dramatic transformation. Those who like the clean atmosphere of the uncorrected painting may have mixed feelings about this restoration, but if you look at the real thing, you will surely find not only the feeling of loss but also the new charm of the revived masterpiece. Should be.

Why has Cupid been erased?

In this exhibition, a large space is used to introduce the entire restoration project in detail with explanation panels and videos showing the restoration. It seems to be daunting to see the details of the work of removing varnish and dirt little by little with an anatomical sword while looking through a microscope. It is an exhibition that shows how carefully the restoration work that took four years was done.

In the first place, it’s interesting to see why “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” was so modified by whom. However, it remains a mystery even after extensive research.

Since Cupid’s paintings are in good condition, there is a possibility that they may be maintained not for preservation reasons but for aesthetic considerations such as temporary hobbies and changes in fashion. How careless, it’s scary from our current sense, but Vermeer at that time wasn’t as famous as it is now …

In fact, when this work was added to the collection of the Electorate of Saxony, which was the basis of the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum in 1742, it was considered to be Rembrandt van Rijn’s work, not Vermeer’s. Isn’t the painting erased in order to bring it to the style of Rembrandt, who was extremely popular in Europe? There seems to be a view that.

In the same space, we will also introduce four duplicate prints of “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” of different ages, such as 1783, 1850, 1893, and 1907. According to the exhibition commentary, the person misidentified as the author of “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” was not only Rembrandt, but also Rembrandt’s disciple Govert Flinck and Pieter de Hooch depending on the times. And twists and turns. It’s surprising that it was recognized as Vermeer’s work in 1862. It turned out that it was something unfortunate when the author changed around and changed here and there.

Gem paintings that colored the golden age of the 17th century Holland

The Netherlands in the 17th century was one of the first countries in Europe to realize civil society, and many of the painting patronage were citizens rather than churches and royal aristocrats. Small genre paintings (indoor paintings) that are familiar to people on a daily basis in private residences are preferred rather than exaggerated historical paintings. Established as one. Portraits that reflect the rise in social status have also made remarkable progress.

Using realistic depictions in every detail and sometimes symbolic pictorial rhetoric, he portrays Dutch life and culture in a realistic or surpassing reality. It was a time when rich painting expressions that could be called the golden age of painting blossomed.

In this exhibition, about 70 paintings from the Dresden National Classical Painting Museum, such as Rembrandt, Gabriël Metsu, and Jacob van Ruisdal, who were active at the same time as Vermeer, which color the golden age of 17th century Dutch painting, will be exhibited. doing.

Many portraits, including Rembrandt, are striking with their skillful depictions of light and shadow.

Rembrandt’s portrait of his wife, “Portrait of Young Saskia,” is a fictional head study rather than a general portrait, due to its ancient costumes and shadows on the upper half of his face. It is thought that it is. The dynamic light and dark depiction of Rembrandt’s spotlight makes the suspicious smile even more mysterious. If I see this picture in the middle of the night, I’m afraid I can’t sleep …

Michiel Janszsche Felt, who painted “Portrait of a Woman”, is considered to be the most popular and influential portrait painter in Delft, the Netherlands. It was a great honor to have him write a portrait, and he received many requests from aristocrats and wealthy citizens.

The portrait of a woman depicts a wealthy aristocratic woman, whose dignified standing and gaze are impressive. The expression of the glossiness and transparency of the white ruffs also makes me groan, but what I want you to pay attention to is the color and texture of the skin! It seems to shine lively while being elegant, and it is full of charm that can be convinced by the popularity at that time.

In genre paintings, especially indoor paintings, elaborate works based on accurate observations of daily life are lined up. At the same time, many of them, like Peter van Slingeland’s “Old Woman Presenting a Chicken from a Window to a Young Woman,” add a deeper artistry to her work with lessons and depictions of allegory. At first glance, it seems to depict a slightly eccentric scene of buying and selling, but in reality, the depiction of the birds handed over and the shoes on only one side hides the nuances of mediating prostitution and inviting sexual intercourse.

It’s good to taste it with your own sensibility, but it seems interesting to appreciate it intellectually while grasping the meanings of those things.

Although it is very small and unobtrusive at 18.5×23.5cm, Evbert van der Pour’s “Great Fire in the Night Village” is a genre painting dealing with a rare “fire”. Van der Pour is a person who has been passionate about creating fire and fire works throughout his life from the experience of losing his fellow painters and daughter in a fire. In the middle of the night, the only light source, the flame, illuminates people trying to protect their families and household goods in front of a burning house. It is a work that draws in awe of flames and impermanence.

In the still life, Jan de Heem’s “Vase and Fruit”, which is a mixture of two kinds of tulips, which were expensive at that time, had an outstanding presence.

This work meets the needs of collectors in the latter half of the 17th century for still life with rich decorativeness and aesthetic sophistication. The powerful contrast of light and darkness and colors is wonderful, but the drops on the flowers and leaves, the windows reflected in the vase, the luster of the fruits … I have no choice but to admire the painter’s own overly precise observation eyes and the transcendental technique of being able to perfectly reproduce what he has observed.

This exhibition is a collaboration with Miffy, who was born in the Netherlands. As original goods for the exhibition, various products with the theme of “letter” such as two kinds of stuffed animals and sealing wax set were developed. If you are a fan, don’t miss it!

Outline of “Vermeer and 17th Century Dutch Painting Exhibition in Dresden National Classical Painting Museum”

Legislative session	February 10th (Thursday) -April 3rd (Sunday), 2022
venue	Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Planning Exhibition Room
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 30 (Admission is 30 minutes before closing) * Friday 9: 30-20: 00
Closed days	Monday (* Open on March 21st), March 22nd (Tuesday)
Admission fee	General 2100 yen / College student / vocational school student 1300 yen / 65 years old and over 1500 yen * This exhibition requires reservations by date and time. For details, please check the ticket page of the official exhibition website. https://www.dresden-vermeer.jp/ticket/
Organizer	Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Sankei Shimbun, Fuji Television
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello dial)
Exhibition official website	https://www.dresden-vermeer.jp

 

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

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Tokyo National Museum

Pompeii, a city of the Roman Empire that once existed in southern Italy and disappeared with the eruption of a volcano about 2000 years ago. A special exhibition “Pompeii” is being held at the Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan in Ueno, Tokyo, which introduces the prosperity and people’s lives with about 150 excavated items. The session will be from January 14th (Friday) to April 3rd (Sunday), 2022.

Since I participated in the press preview held prior to the event, I will report on the state of the venue and the exhibited works.

* All works not mentioned in the caption are in the collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Introducing about 150 masterpieces including the first public release in Japan!

Pompeii, a provincial city of the Roman Empire, was a scenic land where about 10,000 people lived and was suitable for the production of wine and olive oil. In 79 AD, a large eruption occurred on Mount Vesuvius in the northwest of the city, and it was a tragic city that was completely buried all day and night.

The ruins, which are 1600m east-west and 800m north-south, are like a time capsule that kept the bustle of the city asleep for about 1700 years until the start of full-scale excavation in the 18th century. As a treasure trove of valuable materials that give you an idea of the appearance of the ancient Roman city, vigorous archaeological research is still ongoing.

The special exhibition “Pompeii” is about 150, including the first public exhibition in Japan, including mosaics, murals, statues, and daily necessities that the museum is proud of, with the full cooperation of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which holds many excellent items excavated from Pompeii. An exhibition of dots. It is a valuable exhibition where you can feel the breath of the people who lived in the city that prospered 2000 years ago.

From now on, I will introduce the contents of the exhibition from the beginning to the 5th chapter of this exhibition.

Preface: Mount Vesuvius eruption and Pompeii burial

The introduction introduces the situation before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. There are several huge displays of high-definition images in this exhibition, but the eruption CG images in the introductory part are particularly impressive. How the city of Pompeii was swallowed was realistically depicted, and it was a moving experience for a person living in Japan, which has many active volcanoes.

There is also an exhibition of “Gypsum Statue of Female Victims” right next to it. Occasionally, the solidified volcanic ash creates cavities due to the decomposition of organic matter, and when plaster is poured into it, plaster statues such as human bodies are created. Although it does not contain a corpse, it has a vivid presence.

Also, in the fresco “Bucks (Dionysus) and Mount Vesuvius”, which is the only example of the painting of Mount Vesuvius before the eruption, you can see the appearance of the mountain before it was greatly deformed. It’s a very rare document, but I’m drawn to the surrealism of the Roman god of wine, Bucks, whose whole body is wrapped in grapes rather than the mountains.

Chapter 1: City of Pompeii-Public Architecture and Religion

Chapter 1 introduces works related to public facilities such as Pompeii’s form (central square), theaters, amphitheaters, baths, and playgrounds, as well as works related to religion and religion.

The mosaic painting “Tsuji Ongakushi”, which was adopted as the main visual of this exhibition, which shows the popularity of theater at that time, and the marble model of Polykleitos’s “Doryphoros”, which had a great influence on the human body expression of Western art. Full of highlights such as ticks!

“Venus in Bikini”, which expresses Venus, the goddess of beauty who takes off her sandals just before bathing, has beautiful gold accessories. Venus is the guardian deity of Pompeii, and it seems that a temple was also built in the city, but this marble statue was displayed in the hall of the mansion.

Also, as an inconspicuous but surprising exhibition, I would like to recommend a water valve that was widely used in Pompeii. If you look into it, you can see how the ancient Romans had reached a high level of technology in the field of hydraulics, since it was around the 16th century that water services appeared in earnest in Japanese history.

Chapter 2 Pompeii Society and People’s Activities

Chapter 2 exhibits excavated items such as lifestyle furnishings and decorations that convey the lifestyle of wealthy citizens who lived in the city of Pompeii. From there, the existence of wealthy people such as women of low origin and freed slaves who have risen with business talents also emerges, and the surprising liquidity of ancient Roman society where the difference between rich and poor was wide can be seen.

What’s interesting is this kind of rock with big letters. Actually, this is a rental advertisement written on the outer wall of the mansion. If you think that it is the same as the advertisement of “Recruitment of residents!” That we often see in the city, the realization that “I really lived there” comes to me at once.

It seems that the advertisement text says as follows. “At the mansion of Julia, daughter of Spryus Felix, elegant bathrooms, stores, mezzanine and upstairs rooms for well-behaved people, from August 13th to August 13th, the sixth year, 5 It will be rented annually. SQDLENC (Omitted) ”

Julia Felix, who ran a real estate leasing business, is also a good example of a wise woman who has become a wealthy person with a talent for work.

Chapter 3: People’s Lives-Food and Work

Chapter 3 exhibits kitchen utensils, tableware, and excavated ingredients to help you understand your eating habits. It also introduces work tools used by Pompeii residents, such as medical tools, painting materials, farm tools, and tools, and focuses on the daily lives of the people who lived in Pompeii.

There are about 30 bakeries and take-out restaurants in Pompeii, so it was easy to eat. The fresco “Bakery storefront” depicts bread shaped like a disk-shaped pie, but the bread as it was drawn in the picture was excavated from the ruins and exhibited in this exhibition. ..

I was impressed that the carbonized bread kept its shape so plump. This is a typical bread called “Panis Quadratus”, and it was said that a knife was used to make radial cuts before baking to make it easier to separate.

Even with daily miscellaneous goods such as cooking utensils and scales, you can see that many of them are sophisticatedly decorated with a little scrutiny. Some of the works have animal motifs, and the weight is in the shape of a piglet, which is humorous and makes me laugh.

Chapter 4: History of Pompeii Prosperity

Chapter 4 is the highlight of this exhibition. Part of the three mansions “House of the Tragic Poet”, “House of the Tragic Poet” and “House of the Fauns” showing the history of Pompeii’s prosperity are reproduced in the venue! It is an exhibition space where you can feel the atmosphere of a 2000-year-old mansion while appreciating masterpieces of mosaics and murals.

The most prominent is the “House of the Faun”, which was built around the 2nd century BC and retains the richness of pre-Romanized Hellenistic culture. It is the largest mansion in Pompeii, which occupied all of one block (about 3,000 m2). Here, the dynamic bronze statue of Faun, the origin of the “House of the Faun”, “Dancing Faun”, and the beautiful and terrifying floor mosaic “Faun and the Mask of Tragedy” made by a detailed technique called Ops Welmicratum. You can appreciate such things.

Also, what was discovered in the lounge of this “House of the Faun” was the masterpiece of the famous mosaic painting “Mosaic of Alexander the Great”. Unfortunately, this work, which depicts the “Battle of Issus” in which the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great defeated the Persian army led by Darius III, is still under restoration work, but this exhibition can be enjoyed in full-scale 8K high-definition video. increase. A copy of the same work was laid on the floor in front of the display, and it was possible to walk by stepping on the popular house at that time.

Chapter 5: Now of excavation, long ago

The archaeological excavation used to have a strong meaning of “treasure hunting” to acquire works of art, but now it seems that the protection of archaeological sites and archaeological finds is more important than excavation. In Chapter 5, which will be the epilogue, the 18th century will be exhibited, such as the early excavated “Satyr of the ropewalk” and the representative excavation of the University of Tokyo’s academic research team, “Bucks holding a leopard (Dionysus)”. We look back on the history of excavation of the Pompeii ruins from to the present.

As the latest information at the end, a documentary video also introduced the ongoing restoration work of Alexander the Great’s Mosaic.

In addition, this exhibition is generous, and photography is OK only for personal use! In connection with that, on the official Instagram of the exhibition (@ pompeii2022), along with “# Pompeii-kun” dressed as model AMON, we will proceed with a plan to introduce “shining” recommended shooting spots in the venue. Pompeii may appear at the venue during the session.

Many original goods for this exhibition are on sale at the museum shop, but the cushions for the above-mentioned “Carbonized Bread” are also available. There is an indescribable taste in the expression of cracks. Also, cute collaboration goods with Pompompurin! If you are a fan, don’t miss this limited edition product that can only be bought here by Pudding, who has been recolored in an ancient Roman style.

It was a wonderful exhibition where you can feel the meaning of the catch phrase “I was there.”
The special exhibition “Pompeii” will be held from January 14th (Friday) to April 3rd (Sunday), 2022. Why don’t you immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of ancient times through a group of works that still have a lively presence beyond the time of 2000.

Outline of the special exhibition “Pompeii”

Legislative session	January 14th (Friday) -April 3rd (Sunday), 2022
venue	Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan
Opening hours	9:30 am to 5:00 pm
closing day	Monday, 3/22 (Tuesday) * However, 3/21 (Monday / holiday) and 3/28 (Monday) are open.
Admission fee	General 2,100 yen, university students 1,300 yen, high school students 900 yen * Advance reservations (reserved-seat tickets) are recommended for this exhibition. Please check the official website of the exhibition for details.
Organizer	Tokyo National Museum, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Asahi Shimbun, NHK, NHK Promotion
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello dial)
Exhibition official website	https://pompeii2022.jp/

* The content of the article is as of January 20, 2022. Please note that the information may differ from the latest information.

 

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

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Taito Ward Calligraphy Museum

While serving the Yuan dynasty dominated by the Mongolian people, he spent his life inheriting the traditional culture of the Han people and left a great deal of achievement in the history of Chinese calligraphy. Zhao Mengfu Chomofu (1254-1322). To commemorate the 700th anniversary of his death, the Taito Ward Calligraphy Museum is holding a special exhibition “700 years after his death Zhao Mengfu and its era-reconstruction and folklore”.

Mr. Nobuhiro Nakamura, a senior researcher at the Calligraphy Museum, introduced us to this exhibition, so we would like to report on the state of the venue and the contents of the exhibition.

Session: January 4th (Tuesday) -February 27th (Sunday), 2022 During the period, some works will be exhibited and scenes will be changed. First term: January 4th (Tuesday) to 30th (Sunday), second term: February 1st (Tuesday) to 27th (Sunday)

* This is a collaborative project with the Tokyo National Museum .
* The photos shown are taken with special permission.
* The photo is dark overall due to the lighting in the exhibition room. note that.

Zhao Mengfu, the folklore of Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy

Zhao Mengfu Chomofu Was born at the end of the Southern Song Dynasty as the 11th descendant of Song’s great ancestor (the founder of the dynasty), and was an active literary person in the field of calligraphic works. At the age of 26, he was worried that his country would be destroyed, but at the age of 33 he was invited to the Yuan dynasty under the rule of the Mongolians and held important positions.

Even though he was from the Song dynasty, which is a Han Chinese dynasty, he was criticized at that time and in posterity for how unscrupulous it was to serve a foreign dynasty. However, Zhao Mengfu did not serve for the sake of career advancement and money. Will be described later Wang Xizhi Wang Xizhi It is believed that he chose to have power even if he was stigmatized, with his mission to protect and inherit the traditional culture of the Han Chinese, including the writing style of.

In this exhibition, about 50 items including related materials such as banknotes and seals that show how Zhao Mengfu, who has such a sense of mission, learned and wrote books and passed them on to posterity. Introduced in the work.

Before taking a closer look at Zhao Mengfu’s work, the Eastern Jin dynasty aristocrat, who was the first to be named as a well-learned calligrapher, he was devoted to. Wang Xizhi Wang Xizhi I would like to briefly introduce (303-361).

Wang Xizhi, who is called Shosei, the god of calligraphy, is the most famous person in the history of Chinese calligraphy, who raised the calligraphy to the realm of art by bringing emotional expressions into the world of calligraphy, which was all about practical use. The book has a plain and universal beauty and is still the highest norm of calligraphy to this day.

When Zhao Mengfu began working in the Yuan dynasty, Wang Xizhi’s presence diminished in the big city, and during the Tang Dynasty, when he was a reformist of calligraphy. Yan Zhenqing Cancer It is said that (709-785) was worshiped. Zhao Mengfu learned the writing style of Wang Xizhi, who has the same roots, and advocated a retrospective principle, in order not to turn off the lights of the Han Chinese culture, especially the culture of southern China, which is his roots. The style that returned to the origin of the classical writing method and shape derived from Wang Xizhi seems to have changed the flow of calligraphy since the Song dynasty.

Wang Xizhi does not have an existing handwriting, and can only trace his handwriting from his autographs and rubbing books. In other words, Zhao Mengfu, who is essentially the successor to Wang Xizhi, is an indispensable presence in approaching Wang Xizhi, and vice versa.

Naturally, many books by Wang Xizhi are introduced in this exhibition dealing with Zhao Mengfu.

The photo above is the famous masterpiece of Wang Xizhi’s book, “ Lantingji Xu Rantejo Of the many reproductions of Sadatake Tebu What is called a book. Mr. Nakamura says about this work, “There is a certain strength in the quiet atmosphere by removing unnecessary meat. It is a character that the aristocrats at that time are likely to write with elegant writing.”

Other “Lantingji Xu” have flashy brush strokes, but it was evaluated that Sadatakemoto was the quietest and approaching the essence of Wang Xizhi, and Zhao Mengfu also respected Sadatakemoto in particular. Yes.

This is”絳 帖Kojo It is a book of Wang Xizhi recorded in the copybook (model book), but it is said that it was actually owned by Zhao Mengfu 700 years ago. The proof is marked with “Matsuyuki”, which is the issue of Zhao Mengfu, so it may be fun to look for it when you see the real thing.

It’s a little off the subject, but it’s very bold from the modern Japanese sense to feel free to stamp the possession stamp not only for this work but also for valuable works. Write down your history and impressions “ Epilogue Batsu “Sentence” was also left in the empty space of various books, which made me feel strange.

Although it was not posted, Wang Xizhi wrote the Taoist scripture, which was also owned by Zhao Mengfu, in a small regular script. Yellow garden sutra This way The copybook of “” is also a must-see. The harmonious and elegant character that can be understood at a glance why Wang Xizhi is treated as a calligraphy was enough to be seen even if it was not a handwriting.

No matter where you look, there are only beautiful characters! Enjoy the world of Zhao Mengfu

Now, from here, I will introduce the work of Zhao Mengfu, who is the main subject.

“It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to learn a book for the first time, or who is thinking about what to learn, because there are only beautiful characters no matter how you look at it,” says Mr. Nakamura. It was.

Zhao Mengfu acknowledged his feelings about “Lantingji Xu” and Wang Xizhi of Sadatakemoto introduced earlier. Rantei 13 scarlet Ranteju Sanbatsu Is one of the highlights of this exhibition. Mr. Nakamura described the charm of this work as “The first four pages on display are Zhao Mengfu’s writings of” Lantingji Xu “, and the second four pages are Zhao Mengfu’s swordsman. You can see how Zhao Mengfu aimed for Wang Xizhi’s writing style and was thin. ”

Indeed, until I was told, I was unaware that the writings and scarlet texts were written. I feel that characters with many strokes have a similar shape and atmosphere.

Wang Xizhi said, “Of the many” Lantingji Xu “, Sadatakemoto is the best. The shape of the characters changes with the times, but the brushstrokes do not change even a thousand years ago. From the book, Yuhide’s spirit (excellent taste) naturally comes out. It should be a teacher’s method. ” You can feel the deep respect for Wang Xizhi.

Although it has been partially burned down, the handwriting of this work can be seen in the exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum.

“ Ten Crimes of Qin Kashinron “or” Regular script Han Ji An Kaishokankyu Andensatsu From the work written neatly and neatly, Zhao Mengfu’s extraordinary discipline can be seen. People are just overwhelmed by how well they can write such well-organized characters.

Looking at Zhao Mengfu’s small sword, I think that he has a solid correct form of letters, and that he can output it accurately without any deviation. How much study did you have to reach that level? According to Mr. Nakamura, Zhao Mengfu wrote 10,000 characters (!) A day, which is why.

By the way, Zhao Mengfu’s regular script was popular in the Qing dynasty, and in the Imperial Examination (high difficulty bureaucratic appointment test), when making an answer with Zhao Mengfu’s regular script, the score was sometimes positive. It was a convincing beauty to be treated that way.

Although it was not posted, especially the handwritten “Regular Script” is a fine brush that can not be expressed in Takumoto, and you can see the writing style like a razor, and you can not breathe. I will forget my breath when I carry it.

This is” Thousand characters Senjimon This is a 1000-character long poem consisting of 250 four-character phrases that was used as a model when teaching Chinese characters to children. It is written side by side with a regular script and a cursive script, and Zhao Mengfu also learned with “Senjibun” and left “Senjibun” as a duty of the landlord. Even the author, who is not familiar with cursive script, can feel the elegance of each stroke of this cursive script.

By the way, as a master of calligraphy, I imagined that before the appreciation, there was a characteristic of the characters that could clearly say “This is Zhao Mengfu!”. However, when I appreciate it, it seems that the beauty that is well-proportioned is wonderful because it follows Wang Xizhi, but there are not many other features …?

Is it just beautiful? Mr. Nakamura taught the author, who is not sure about the “likeness” of Zhao Mengfu’s landlord, as follows.

“It’s true that Zhao Mengfu’s book is beautiful. It’s beautiful for everyone, so it’s easy for beginners to enter, but it’s not a big deal, and it’s easy for anyone to write it. You can see that it is the beauty calculated for the first time. If the strokes shift even a little, the collapse starts at once, which may be said to be a feature. “

After listening to that story, I watched it again. Su Shiji Rhythm Poem Soshokujiinsenshi “. Zhao Mengfu looks up to be a teacher Akimoto Nakamine Chuhominpon This is the work I wrote when I visited. It is a mixture of regular script, semi-cursive script, cursive script and typeface, and it is improvised and written quickly, but I am surprised that the overall balance is outstanding.

It is strange to get an uneven impression when looking at a part of the characters, such as thick and thin lines and large and small shapes. Is this also part of the “calculated beauty”?

“It’s important that the whole thing is organized. Even if the characters look disjointed at first glance, they can be put together without any discomfort. Excellent technology is required, but the landlord can do that,” says Nakamura.

So that’s it……! I finally understood how amazing it was. Please pay attention to this point and go around the exhibition.

In addition, there was an exhibition that conveys the popularity of Zhao Mengfu in Japan, such as a masterpiece that was handed down to the Mito Domain during the Edo period, and a work that was copied by Zhao Mengfu’s “Hakurakuzu”, which was also an excellent painter, by the Kano school Kano Nakanobu.

The book of Zhao Mengfu’s younger brother, who is extremely valuable!

There are also interesting exhibits that show the timeliness. A bureaucrat of the Northern Song Dynasty Cai Xiang Saijo Dedicated to the emperor Regular script Thank you book Poetry table volume Kaishosha Shigosho Hyokan “is. The highlights are the way the space is taken and the neat character appearance, but the focus is on one of the four Song dynasties. Mi Fu Beifutsu The scarlet sentence added by. Mi Fu has only seen this book in a rubbing book for many years, and 40 years later, he finally saw his autograph, so he wrote a scarlet sentence as a memorial.

Even the landlord of the book that served the emperor has been around for 40 years. You can see how valuable the chance to meet a celebrity’s autograph at that time was. The regular script says “40 years” as it is, so it’s easy to find, so please take a look at the book filled with myriad feelings.

In addition, multiple people wrote a scarlet sentence in this work, and among them, Zhao Mengfu’s best friend, Xian Yushu Senusu And younger brother Zhao Mengfu Chomoyu Also the character of. Zhao Mengfu’s characters are very rare, so don’t miss it.

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I was worried that people who couldn’t read the written content would enjoy it because the book wasn’t bright, but I was completely fascinated by the fact that I could watch it for hours.

This interview is done at the timing when the first half exhibition can be appreciated, and it seems that the face of the work will change considerably in the second half exhibition starting from February 1 (Tuesday). In the second half, the number of exhibitors has increased by several points, so it seems to be even more enjoyable. Please see the list on this page for detailed exhibits.

By the way, the author also visited the exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum, which is a collaborative project. Compared to the exhibition of Zhao Mengfu, a calligraphy museum that focuses on individuals, the Tokyo National Museum has contents that allow you to enjoy books and paintings that give you a bird’s-eye view of the atmosphere of the entire era. Please watch it together.

■ Outline of the special exhibition “700 years after his death Zhao Mengfu and its era-reconstruction and folklore-“

Legislative session	January 4th (Tuesday) -February 27th (Sunday), 2022
venue	Taito Ward Calligraphy Museum
Opening hours	9:30 am to 4:30 pm (admission is until 4 pm)
closing day	Monday (the next weekday if it overlaps with a holiday), special arrangement period, etc.
Admission fee	General 500 yen (300 yen) Small, middle and high school students 250 yen (150 yen) * Please check the official website for details.
Exhibition official page	https://www.taitocity.net/zaidan/shodou/oshirase/news/2113/

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Tokyo National Museum

From January 7th (Friday) to March 13th (Sunday), 2022, at the Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan in Ueno, Tokyo, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Special Exhibition “Experience! Japanese Traditional Performing Arts-Kabuki / Bunraku / The world of Noh, Yagaku, and Kumidance- “ is being held.

This exhibition where you can enjoy the unique beauty and “work” of the five traditional performing arts registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The contents of 2020, which was canceled to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection, have been partially renewed.

Since I participated in the press preview held prior to the event, I would like to report on the situation at the venue.

* Please note that some works will be changed during the exhibition period.
First term: January 7th (Friday) -February 13th (Sunday)
Late: February 15th (Tuesday) -March 13th (Sunday)

The gorgeous “Kinmon Gozan Kiri” reenactment stage welcomes visitors

In this exhibition, we have gone through various histories such as the oldest gagaku, which was roughly formed in the Heian period, Nogaku, which was completed in the Muromachi period, Bunraku (Ningyo Joruri) dating back to the early Edo period, Kabuki, and Kumi Odori. It is a content that you can enjoy by viewing the traditional Japanese performing arts that continue to live in.

Specifically, a part of each entertainment stage is reproduced in a size close to the actual size. At the same time, we introduce costumes, musical instruments, props, and valuable video materials that were actually used on the stage.

Some of the reproduction stages are designed so that visitors can go up so that they can experience the stage space from the actor’s point of view, and the atmosphere is especially enjoyable at the Kabuki “Kinmon Gosan no Kiri” stage immediately after entering the venue. .. A number of hanging branches of cherry blossoms hang down at the top of the colorful temple architecture, and the gorgeous and spectacular three-dimensional exhibition of Ishikawa Goemon shows its presence in the center.

It is also noteworthy that the entire room where the stage is placed is colored like a playhouse in the Edo period with graphics and lanterns of people who are bustling on the pier. On display on the wall is a nishiki-e depicting a Kabuki actor. In addition, the screening of Japan’s oldest movie “Momijigari” starring Ichikawa Danjuro 9th and Kikugoro Onoe 5th.

In a space that expresses the spirit of Kabuki that enlivens the festive mood with gorgeous colors, it invites visitors to the extraordinary world at once.

The costumes of Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa of “Temporary” are plentiful! Powerful exhibition work

Here are some of the works that caught the eye of this exhibition.

First of all, here is a costume that expresses the superhuman power of Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa, one of the eighteenth Kabuki. You will be amazed at the majesty of the sleeves of the large crest, which is the white crest of the three squares! Seen from the side, it looks more like a kite than a sleeve.

I remembered that the costume of Superman Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa was out of the standard, but it was so exaggerated that I really laughed when I saw the real thing. How many tens of kilometers are there … Since you are going to be rampaged by wearing something like this, it is a presence that you will be convinced without asking questions if it is decided to be strong.

Next to it is a large sword that exceeds 2M of Kagemasa. The scene in which Kamakura daringly cuts off the necks of many people with just one swing of this Ōdachi is one of the most impressive scenes in the “temporary”, but it was powerful enough to make me think that it was possible.

You will be overwhelmed by the Daiko drums displayed in the Gagaku area. What kind of prop is this colorful object? When I read the explanation, I was very surprised that it was an instrument. It is a huge taiko drum used for formal dance, and it is originally a pair of left and right drums, but the taiko drums in the National Theater of Japan are decorated on the left and right sides.

At the top are a sun ring and a moon ring, a large flame and a five-colored cloud shape surrounding the drum, sculptures of a rising dragon and a phoenix on the left and right, and gold leaf on the leather of the drum. Various patterns and colors that indicate auspiciousness are used, and 5M, combined with the probable giant body, made me feel the power that makes me want to worship just by looking at it. I’m wondering what kind of sound it makes!

Fascinated by the delicate beauty of costumes and props

The real thrill of this exhibition is that you can appreciate the details of the costume and prop designs that you cannot understand from the audience seats of the theater.

What was so vivid as to wake up was the three-dimensional exhibition of the celestial maiden of the Kumi Odori “Mekaru” based on the legend of Hagoromo.

The author, who lives in the Kanto region, didn’t have much chance to come into contact with Okinawa’s performing arts, Kumi Odori, so the unique shape of the raging waves depicted in the Bingata costume “Yellow ground phoenix Tachinami pattern” worn by the celestial maiden. Looks fresh. Bingata, which is characterized by its splendid multicolored color, is said to be a pattern dyeing peculiar to Okinawa.

The appearance of wearing a swan maiden that seems to express a rainbow-like brilliance will surely look many times more graceful than the exhibition if you move. During this exhibition, I was interested in the difference in the color sense of Kumi Odori, especially the way of incorporating red, when compared to the mainland entertainment.

In the Nogaku area, we introduce standing by combining faces, costumes, and props for each role, but there are things that are particularly drawn to standing by the appearance of a demon.

“Hannya”, who becomes a demon from jealousy and resentment and is a female face, is familiar because it expresses the duality of anger from the bottom of the eyes and deep sadness from the top of the eyes. In addition to the mystery of being on the border between the mystery and this world, I once again enjoyed the modeling that conveys many intertwined emotions, such as the unwillingness to become a demon and the sadness of being at the mercy of emotions.

The costume for the role of such a demon is “black background pattern sewing foil”. Various patterns are studded with embroidery and gold / silver leaf, and it is an elegant but playful design. Each pattern with cherry blossoms, plums, chrysanthemums, etc. as a motif has a cute color, so why is this exclusively for demons? I have some doubts, but …

As with family crests, even with one of these small patterns, we cannot help but feel the aesthetic sense of the Japanese people who have been involved in nature such as the four seasons and Kacho Fugetsu, and have incorporated nature into their lives and coexisted with it.

In the Bunraku area, you can see the gorgeous Joruri doll costumes that are not inferior to human size, such as “Yoshitsune Senbonzakura” Shizuka Gozen, but the display of the doll’s neck is also interesting.

It seems that each neck has a shape that expresses the fundamental character of “sexual root”, for example, “Bunshichi” used for the hero of tragedy, which causes anguish inside, and is simple and stupid. “Matahira” used for honest roles was introduced.

Even if you don’t read the explanation, I’m impressed because you can understand the general image of the person, “I wonder if it will be used in such a role.” It seems like nothing, but it’s actually amazing. I would like you to take a closer look at the beauty of the sculpture that has been refined and refined to the present day.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Special Exhibition “Experience! Japanese Traditional Performing Arts-Kabuki / Bunraku / Nogaku / Gagaku / Kumi Odori World-” Overview

Legislative session	January 7th (Friday) -March 13th (Sunday), 2022 * Some works will be changed during the exhibition period.
venue	Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan
Opening hours	9: 30-17: 00
closing day	Monday
Admission fee	General 1,500 yen, university students 1,000 yen, high school students 600 yen * Advance reservation (reserved-seat ticket) recommended * Free for junior high school students and younger, persons with disabilities and one caregiver, etc. Please check the official website for details. ⇒ https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/dentou2022/tickets.html
Organizer	Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Arts Council, Tokyo National Museum, Yomiuri Shimbun
inquiry	050-5541-8600 (Hello dial)
Exhibition official website	https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/dentou2022/

 

Article provided by: Kokoshiru Ueno

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