Johannes Vermeer “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” (after restoration) circa 1657-1659
“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.
Venue sceneryVenue scenery
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.
This is the figure before restoration. Sabine Bentfeld << Replica: Girl Reading a Letter at the Window (Based on Vermeer’s Original Drawing) >> 2001 Private Collection
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.
Johannes Vermeer “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” (after restoration) circa 1657-1659Johannes Vermeer “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” (after restoration) (part) 1657-1659
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.
Johannes Vermeer “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” (after restoration) (part) 1657-1659
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.
Looking at the upper side, the space continues above the curtain rod before the correction, but after the correction it is completely gone. [Top] Sabine Bentfeld << Replica: Girl Reading a Letter at the Window (Based on Vermeer’s Original Drawing) >> (Part) 2001 Private Collection / [Bottom] Johannes Vermeer “Girl Reading a Letter at the Window” (after restoration) (part) 1657-1659Why? 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?
Video about the restoration project
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.
Video about the restoration project
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.
Anton Heinrich Riedel << Woman Reading a Letter at the Window (Based on Vermeer’s Original Drawing) >> 1783 Dresden Edition Pixel Drawing Museum Collection
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
Jan Steen 《Expulsion of Hagar》 Around 1655-57Warran Weiyan << Self-portrait >> Around 1645Gabriël Metsu 《Bird-Seller Man》 1662Hendrick Avercamp “People playing on sleds and skates” around 1620Jacob van Ruisdal “Waterfall in front of Shiroyama” around 1665-70
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.
Rembrandt van Rijn, Portrait of Young Saskia, 1633
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 …
Michel van Mielefeld “Portrait of a Woman” Production year unknown
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.
Gerrit Dou “Dentist” 1672Gerard ter Borch “Woman washing hands” circa 1655-56Peter van Slingeland, an old woman presenting a chicken through a window to a young woman, 1673
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.
Egbert van der Pour 《Great Fire in the Village at Night》 After 1650
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.
Melchior d’Hondecoutel “The hen resting its wings” Production year unknownWarlan Weiyan, Letter, Penknife, Red Ribbon with Quill Pen, 1658Jan de Heem “Vases and Fruits” circa 1670-72
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.
Original goods in collaboration with MiffyOriginal goods in collaboration with Miffy
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
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
Preface, entrance
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.
“Gypsum statue of a female victim” (1979/1875)
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.
“Bucks (Dionysus) and Mount Vesuvius” (62-79)
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.
“Tsuji Musician” (1st century BC)Polykleitos “People with Spears” (1st century BC-1st century BC, original 450-440 BC)
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” (1st century BC-1st century BC)
“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.
“Water valve” (1st century)
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
“Small amphora representing grape picking (commonly known as” blue jar “)” (first half of the 1st century)<< A woman with a writing board and a stylus (commonly known as “Sappho”) >> (1950-79)
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.
“Rental advertisement” (1987-79)
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.
“Bakery storefront” (50-79)
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. ..
“Carbonized bread” (1979)
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.
“Pig-shaped weight” (1st century)
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
Partial reproduction exhibition of “House of the Tragic Poet”
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.
“Dancing Faun” (2nd century BC)“Dicotyledon and Tragedy Mask” (end of 2nd century BC)
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.
Partial reproduction exhibition of “House of the Faun”Partial reproduction of “House of the Faun”, and a reproduction of “Alexander the Great’s Mosaic” on the floor.
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
“Tightrope walking satyr” (15-50 years before)《Bucks holding a leopard (Dionysus) (27-14 BC) Nora Historical Archaeological Museum Collection
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.
Maybe you can take a commemorative photo with Pompeii?
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.
State of the museum shopState of the museum shop
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
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 (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.
Nobuhiro Nakamura, Principal ResearcherExhibition sceneryExhibition scenery
Zhao Mengfu, the folklore of Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy
Zhao Mengfu 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 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.
A banknote that was in circulation in the former era, with the words “If you forge it, you will be sentenced to death.” Zhongtong era original treasure cosmetics Exhibited only in the first half of the Yuan dynasty and the first year of the Middle Ages (1260)
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 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 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.
Sadatake Lantingji Xu — — Hanju Ship Book -Wang Xizhi Original Site: Exhibited only in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and the first half of the 4th century
The photo above is the famous masterpiece of Wang Xizhi’s book, “ Lantingji Xu Of the many reproductions of Sadatake 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.
絳 帖 Ban Master Dan Hen Northern Song Dynasty, around the 11th century
This is”絳 帖 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.
One of the two exhibits has a lot of ownership stamps.絳 帖 Ban Master Dan Hen Northern Song Dynasty, around the 11th century
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 “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 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.
Rantei 13 scarlet Zhao Mengfu Original Site: Yuan Dynasty, Zhida 3 Years (1310)
Zhao Mengfu acknowledged his feelings about “Lantingji Xu” and Wang Xizhi of Sadatakemoto introduced earlier. Rantei 13 scarlet 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. ”
The first half is a book written by Wang Xizhi. Rantei 13 scarlet Zhao Mengfu Original Site: Yuan Dynasty, Zhida 3 Years (1310)The second half is the character of Zhao Mengfu. Rantei 13 scarlet Zhao Mengfu Original Site: Yuan Dynasty, Zhida 3 Years (1310)
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 (( Tatami mats Collection) Zhao Mengfu Original Site: Yuan Dynasty, Zhiyuan 28 (1291) Exhibited only in the first half of the year
“ Ten Crimes of Qin “or” Regular script Han Ji An 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.
Makusa Chijibun (( Balhae Tatami Collection) Zhao Mengfu Original Site: Exhibited only in the Yuan dynasty and the first half of the 13th-14th centuries
This is” Thousand characters 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. “
Su Shiji Rhythm Poem (Collection of Mikido Tatami) Zhao Mengfu Original Site: Yuan Dynasty, Daedeok 10 (1306) Exhibited only in the first half
After listening to that story, I watched it again. Su Shiji Rhythm Poem “. Zhao Mengfu looks up to be a teacher Akimoto Nakamine 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!
Regular script Thank you book Poetry table volume Cai Xiang Brush Northern Song Dynasty, Huangyou 5th year (1053)
There are also interesting exhibits that show the timeliness. A bureaucrat of the Northern Song Dynasty Cai Xiang Dedicated to the emperor Regular script Thank you book Poetry table volume “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 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.
Zhao Mengfu You can see the scarlet text. Regular script Thank you book Poetry table volume Cai Xiang brush Northern Song Dynasty, Huangyou 5th year (1053)
In addition, multiple people wrote a scarlet sentence in this work, and among them, Zhao Mengfu’s best friend, Xian Yushu And younger brother Zhao Mengfu Also the character of. Zhao Mengfu’s characters are very rare, so don’t miss it.
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.
If you visit this exhibition, you can see a unique note that was talked about on Twitter a while ago.
■ 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.
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.
“Kinmon Gosan no Kiri” where the costume of Ishikawa Goemon is enshrined.
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.
A lively colored room
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.
Chinese Alligator National Theater Collection
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
(Left) Costume “Fuji Musume” Fuji no Sei Matsutake Costume Co., Ltd. first half exhibition / (Right) Costume “Kyokako Musume Doseiji” Shirabyoshi Hanako Matsutake Costume Co., Ltd. first half exhibition
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.
“Mekaru” celestial maiden costume, crown, props (cassotte) National Theater Okinawa warehouse
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.
(Left) Noh costume black background crest pattern sewing foil National Noh Theater collection / (Right) Noh mask (Hannya) National Noh Theater collection
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.
Bunraku Doll “Yoshitsune Senbonzakura” Shizuka Gozen Props Drum National Bunraku Theater CollectionNeck such as “Bunshichi” and “Tamamo-no-Mae / Two-sided”
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
The National Museum of Nature and Science will carry out a museum appreciation project using a remote-controlled robot in collaboration with Chiba University Hospital, Chiba Children’s Hospital, and NPO Milfille Pediatric Cancer Frontiers.
In this project, children admitted to Chiba University Hospital and Chiba Children’s Hospital will operate robots, and Makoto Manabe, a deputy director specializing in mesozoic reptiles and birds such as dinosaurs, will explain from the dinosaur exhibition floor of the museum. Through robots, we will approach the mystery of children who cannot go out due to illness and dinosaurs, and carry out this project with a message of support for children who fight illness.
Overview [Date]: From 16:00 on January 17, 1945 (about 1 hour)
[Details]: Part 1(about 30 minutes)
Children admitted to Chiba University Hospital operate a robot at the National Science Museum Part 2(about 30 minutes)
Children admitted to Chiba Children’s Hospital operate a robot in the National Science Museum [Guide]: Makoto Manabe, Deputy Director of the National Science Museum [Robot to use]: Avatar “newme” (provided by avatarin Co., Ltd.)
newme
* NPO Milfille Childhood Cancer Frontiers is an organization that supports children and their families with childhood cancer and those who have experienced childhood cancer after treatment. For details, please see here ( https://www.millefeuille.or.jp/ ).
Guide: Profile of Makoto Manabe
Makoto Manabe Deputy Director, National Museum of Nature and Science Ⓒ Kenichi Tanaka
Deputy Director of the National Museum of Nature and Science (concurrently) Collection Director of the Specimen Materials Center (concurrently) Research Coordinator (concurrently) General Manager of the Human Research Department
■ With the theme of spatiotemporal analysis of ecosystem evolution, we are paying attention to the dinosaurs of the Mesozoic era and the mass extinction of the end of the Mesozoic era.
■ In the permanent exhibition, I was in charge of the dinosaur floor on the first basement floor of the Earth Pavilion. In recent exhibitions, I was involved in the planning and production of “Dinosaur Expo 2016”, special exhibition “Dinosaur Expo 2019”, and special exhibition “The Price of Growing Up with Picture Books” (2019.12.17-2020.3.1).
■ Books “Deep reading! Picture book” Seimei no Rekishi “” (Iwanami Science Library, 2017), “How to charm dinosaurs” (CCC Media House, 2019), “Dinosaur’s dizzying and pleasant daily life” (Bookman) , 2019), supervision of “Seimei no Rekishi (revised edition)” (2015), translation of “I am everyone’s grandma” (Iwanami Shoten, 2019).
Explore the mystery of dinosaurs on the 1st basement floor of the Earth Pavilion
Popular voice actors Kensho Ono and Yuki Ono will co-star for the first time as an audio guide navigator!
The special exhibition “Ponpei” (https://pompeii2022.jp/ ) sponsored by Asahi Shimbun Co., Ltd. (President: Shiro Nakamura) will be held on January 14, 2022 (Friday) at the Tokyo National Museum (Ueno, Tokyo). It will start at the park). With the full cooperation of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy, we will take a closer look at the real images of the people who lived in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which disappeared due to the eruption of a volcano.
■ Outline of the event
Venue: Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
Session: January 14, 2022 (Friday) -April 3, 2022 (Sunday) * The session is subject to change.
Opening hours: 9:30 to 17:00 Closed: Monday, March 22 (Tuesday) * However, March 21 (Monday / holiday) and March 28 (Monday) are open Admission: General 2,100 yen University students 1,300 yen High school students 900 yen (tax included)
* Free for junior high school students and younger, persons with disabilities and one caregiver * Advance reservation (date and time specified) from the official ticket site (https://pompeii2022.jp/ticket/ ) is recommended Organizer: Tokyo National Museum, Naples National Archeology Museum, Asahi Shimbun, NHK, NHK Promotion Special Sponsor: Sumitomo Metal Mine Sponsor: Daiwa House Industry, Toppan Printing, Takenaka Komuten Sponsor: Italian Embassy Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Official site: https://pompeii2022.jp/
■ The story of two people who met on the street corner of Pompeii With a voice guide, the sure colors and rich scenes that live there
Voice actors Kensho Ono and Yuki Ono, who are active in many popular anime such as “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” series and “Kuroko’s Basketball”, will co-star for the first time as an audio guide navigator at an art exhibition. The two characters A special recording of will meet in Pompeii and explore the highlights of the town. The culture of Pompeii at that time, the way people lived, and the highlights of the work will be presented in a story-style manner with a sense of realism. Please enjoy the excitement of traveling back in time to the city of Pompeii 2000 years ago with an audio guide.
[Details of audio guide]
Rental fee (1 unit, tax included): Venue rental version 600 yen, app distribution version with bonus content 730 yen.
* Please check the official website of this exhibition ( https://pompeii2022.jp/goods/ ) for details.
■ Kensho Ono (left photo)
In the wake of the role of Harry in the movie “Harry Potter” series, as a voice actor, “Kuroko’s Basketball” as Kuroko Tetsuya, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind” as Giorno Giovanna, “Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway of the Flash” “Hathaway There are many appearances such as the role of Noa. In addition, he has been attracting attention as an actor, such as playing the role of riff in the musical” WEST SIDE STORY “Season 2 and the role of the main character Daniel in “Jack The Ripper”.
■ Yuki Ono (right photo)
“Kuroko’s Basketball” Taiga Kagami, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Diamond Is Unbreakable” Touhou Yardmaster and many other masterpieces. In addition, he is widely active in narration, radio, program MC, and YouTube. Also, as an artist, he is also developing energetic activities such as releasing an album from his own label.
At Ueno Toshogu Shrine (in Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo), which was built as a shrine dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa, Yoshimune Tokugawa, and Yoshinobu Tokugawa, from Saturday, January 1, 2022 to Wednesday, February 23, 2022. In the meantime, about 160 peony stocks will open “Ueno Toshogu Fuyu Botan”, which adds color to the full-scale Edo architecture such as the shrine and the five-storied pagoda. * As an initiative to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection, we are taking measures such as regular disinfection inside the garden and employee health management. We ask all visitors to disinfect their fingers and wear masks so that they can enjoy the garden with peace of mind.
■ Kanto’s largest, always exhibiting more than 160 strains of about 40 varieties More than 160 strains of about 40 varieties are exhibited, including winter peony that is suppressed and temperature controlled in autumn to bloom in winter, and cold peony that is extremely difficult to bloom with a flowering rate of 20% or less such as “Togawa Kan” and “shooting star”. To do. The area around the entrance is decorated in the style of Japanese food, and you can enjoy different tastes depending on the time of visit.
Winter peony, Shimanishiki
Winter peony / yellow crown
Cold peony, Togawa cold
New Year decoration
■ Wrapped in “straw box” to survive the cold <br /> In order to protect from the harsh winter environment, the winter peony in the open garden is wrapped in “straw box”. “Straw bocchi” has various shapes and knots depending on the area, but since the opening of the garden, the eyes of the viewer have been delighted with the male knots using rough ropes and the decorative knots that imitate flowers such as plums.
A man knot using a rough rope
Decorative knot that imitates a flower
■ Enjoy full-scale Edo architecture such as the “Former Kaneiji Five-storied Pagoda” You can see the lanterns in the Edo atmosphere that you can’t taste anywhere else. Also, if it snows, it has a special taste, and the appearance of the peony standing in the snow that is steadily falling attracts the eyes of the viewer.
■ You can enjoy different flowers and trees depending on the season, such as Japanese allspice, Japanese apricot, and Adonis ramosa. From the beginning of January, Japanese allspice and early-blooming plum blossoms, and from the beginning of February, various flowering trees such as Adonis ramosa and Witch hazel are in full bloom and add brilliance.
Japanese allspice
Adonis ramosa
■ Spot sale of peony seedlings and dahlia bulbs Spring-blooming peony seedlings and dahlia bulbs will be on sale for a limited time for a total of 4 days, 1/8 (Sat), 1/9 (Sun), 2/12 (Sat), and 2/13 (Sun).
■ Imprinting twin pandas on Goshuin <br /> From January next year, the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Ray Ray from Ueno Zoo are scheduled to be released. In line with this, the twin pandas will be stamped on the red stamp from January 1st to February 28th, 2022. Goshuin is accepted at the Toshogu Shrine office, and all are written down. Period January 1st-February 28th, 2022 First ear charge 500 yen for writing in our shrine Goshuin book 2000 yen * Peony is not stamped during the winter peony period. * We do not send by mail.
Imprint of twin pandas
[Overview of Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony] Name: 40th Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony Opening Period: January 1st (Sat) -February 23rd (Wednesday), 2022 * Open daily during the period: 9: 30-16: 30 (Enter) Garden deadline) Entrance fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 700 yen, groups (20 people and above) 600 yen, elementary school students and younger free of charge, Toshogu Shrine common admission ticket 1,100 yen Residence: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007 TEL: 03-3822-3575 (Botanen) Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit 5 minutes walk from Keisei Ueno Station Ikenohata Exit 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Nezu Station Exit 2 Official HP: https://uenobotanen.com/ Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utbotanen_official/
Xing, Lida, an associate professor at China University of Geosciences (Beijing), a fan of the popular Japanese cartoon Doraemon, found a fossil carnivorous dinosaur footprint in Sichuan, China in July 2021. We gave the name of “Nobita” and named it Eubrontes nobitai.
Since the National Museum of Nature and Science has research exchanges with Associate Professor Shin Rita, a replica of one footprint of Eubrontes nobitai will be donated, and this replica will be released to the public about footprint fossils and their research. From November 30th (Tuesday) to December 12th (Sunday), 2021, we will hold a mini exhibition “Eubrontes nobitai-Fossil footprints of dinosaurs that made Nobita’s dream come true”. [Detailed URL: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/event/2021/12nobitai/ ]
・ Outline of the mini exhibition
Mini exhibition “Eubrontes nobitai-Fossil footprints of dinosaurs that made Nobita’s dream come true”
[Venue] National Museum of Nature and Science, 1st floor open space (7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
[Session] November 30th (Tuesday) -December 12th (Sunday), 2021
[Admission fee] General / university students: 630 yen (group 510 yen) tax included, free for high school students and younger and 65 years old and over * This exhibition can be viewed only with the permanent exhibition admission fee.
[Closed days] Every Monday * The session is subject to change.
[How to enter] We are implementing measures to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection.
* Advance reservations are required on the museum’s website to enter the museum.
* Check the temperature and physical condition before entering the building, and refuse to enter the building if you have a fever.
* For details on how to enter the museum, please see the reservation site on our website. https://www.kahaku.go.jp/news/2020/reservation/index.html
[Web page] https://www.kahaku.go.jp/event/2021/12nobitai/
[Background of naming Nobitai]
Associate Professor Shin has been a fan of “Doraemon” since he was a child, and in the 2020 “Movie Doraemon Nobita’s New Dinosaur”, there was a scene where Nobita gave his name to a new kind of dinosaur, so Nobita’s He wanted to make his dream come true. The scientific name is basically spelled in Latin grammar, and the name “Nobita” is named after “Nobita” with the suffix “i” (i) indicating the person’s name.
[Fossil footprints of Novitai]
Novitai’s fossil footprint is a four-step fossil footprint found on a plate-shaped rock after a heavy rain in Sichuan Province in July 2020. It was classified into the genus Eubrontes because of its clear traces of its roots. This fossil has a larger left-right opening of the 2nd and 4th toes than the previously reported species of the genus Eubrontes, and the central finger (middle finger) faces slightly outward. It was named the new species Eubrontes nobitai.
From the length of the sole (about 30 cm), Novitai is a carnivorous dinosaur with a total length of about 4 meters, and its footprint is about 125 million years ago (early Chengdu), now Jinyuxi, Sichuan Province, China. It was left on the ground (about 310km south of Chengdu). Few fossils of carnivorous dinosaur bones have been found in this stratum, but allosauridaes and carcharodontosauria were among the carnivorous dinosaurs that lived in early Cretaceous China. It is estimated that he was walking at a speed of about 4 kilometers per hour from his stride length.
Eubrontes is the scientific name given to the footprints of Jurassic carnivorous dinosaurs originally found in Connecticut, USA, meaning Eubrontes + Brontes (earth sound, thunder). When walking on two legs, the three fingertips have sharp claw marks, indicating that they are carnivorous dinosaurs. Eubrontes is the scientific name for the footprints of carnivorous dinosaurs with wide-legged footprints, about 30 centimeters in length. More than a dozen species are known from the Jurassic strata. China’s Eubrontes is the fifth species in Novitai, but the Cretaceous (about 145 to 66 million years ago) Eubrontes is the first report in the world.
[Comment by Makoto Manabe (National Museum of Nature and Science, Deputy Director) on the discovery of Eubrontes nobitai]
Since Mesozoic Japan was part of the Asian continent, Novitai may have lived in Japan as well. Nobita is the footprint of a carnivorous dinosaur, so I think Nobita will be happy. Fossil footprints have only the characteristics of the soles of the feet, but it is possible to estimate the speed per hour from the stride length and to infer the group behavior from the aggregated status of the fossil footprints. I hope that you will be able to pay attention to footprint fossils as a result of Nobitai. I hope that researchers of dinosaurs and footprint fossils will grow up as a result of imagining the appearance of Novitai and wanting to search for fossils of the body.
[Message from Associate Professor Shin] I was on cloud nine when making this decision. Nobita and Doraemon are one of the sweetest memories of the Millennial generation in China, arousing great curiosity among us with all the fabulous imagination. Most importantly, for me, Nobita, Draemon and their adventures with dinosaurs are my childhood gems that I still recall fondly every now and then. I am pleased as punch to have an opportunity to express my intense affection.
Shin Xing, Lida Associate Professor, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) (right) and Assistant Professor, Shin Lab (left) Image courtesy of Shin Xing, Lida Associate Professor
[Presentation paper]
Title: “Report of Eubrontes nobitai, a new species of early Cretaceous footprint fossils in Sichuan, China, and fossil footprints of Saurischia dinosaurs”
Author: Xing, Lida et al. Publication: “Palaeogeography Magazine Journal of Palaeogeography” (published by Springer Nature)
You can download the pdf of the paper for free from the following site. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s42501-021-00096-y.pdf
On November 3, 2021, “Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Relaxing Performance-Concerts that can be enjoyed across generations and obstacles-“ was held at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in Ueno, Tokyo.
Unlike general classical music concerts, we covered this performance, which has an environment that even people who have difficulty watching quietly due to developmental disabilities and physical characteristics can enjoy it with peace of mind. And reports on our efforts.
Is it okay to make voices and sounds in the audience seats !? What is “relaxing performance”?
Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
One of the most important etiquettes in a regular classical music concert is not to make noise.
Refrain from speaking privately while playing, and of course turn off your cell phone, but be careful of sneezing, coughing, flipping programs, and touching plastic bags. In order to prevent noise caused by opening and closing the door, theater staff will restrict admission except between songs and movements …. It is usual for each person in the venue to be aware of actions that interfere with performance and appreciation.
The consideration is to allow everyone to concentrate on the performance, but on the other hand, people with developmental disabilities who make voices or upset due to external stimuli, people who cannot sit still due to illness, respiratory organs For some people, such as those who are indispensable, the hurdles for appreciation are inevitably high.
The “Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Relaxation Performance-Concerts that can be enjoyed across generations and obstacles-” will create an environment where people who are worried about art appreciation at such theaters can enjoy it with peace of mind, and the rules and etiquette. A new form of performance that has begun to take root in Europe and the United States called “relaxing performance” that alleviates the problem. This is the second performance of this performance, starting in 2020.
As the name suggests, it’s a concert held in a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s okay if you make a little voice or sound, or if you move your body. Do not completely dim the lighting in the audience seats. If you need a break during the performance, you are free to go out of the hall .
By doing this, healthy people who feel that “classical music concerts have a lot of etiquette and are stuffy” and parents who are “anxious about whether their children can watch quietly” are all concerned if they are 4 years old or older. It is an environment that you can enjoy without any problems.
Braille program and experience sound system … Various ideas to make music more enjoyable
The lobby next to the concert hall is also used as a healing space for people who need a break.
There is also a sign language interpreter at the reception and lobby. ? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
If you go to the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan on the day, you will notice that the program you can get at the reception is a little different from that of a general classical music concert, and there are many illustrations and it is very colorful.
Part of the program provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
“I learned that visuals are very important because the usual program is mostly text, but people with autism and developmental disabilities have less information coming from the text, so the” Relax Performance “program. In addition to writing the song commentary in easy Japanese, I tried to create a page that visually shows the order of the songs by attaching illustrations that match the image of the song. ”
Mr. Sugiyama, who was in charge of the production of this performance, was in charge of the business planning section of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan .
In line with the universal design guidelines, the program was completed by trial and error based on feedback from the teachers of the special school workshop so that the font size and color scheme would be easy for people with color blindness to understand. And.
? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
In addition, Braille programs and program data corresponding to the reading function are also available. It seems that this information was posted on the homepage about 3 weeks before the performance for the families and caregivers of people with disabilities, and I felt the careful consideration.
The audience seats are equipped with equipment called “Body Sonic,” a sensory sound system that allows people with hearing impairments to feel music through vibration. In addition, various support was introduced for this performance with the cooperation of each company, such as “Mobile Connect”, a system that can adjust the volume and sound quality according to each hearing characteristic using a smartphone application.
Experience of “Body Sonic” ? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
Actually, on this day, a viewing support equipment experience meeting was held for performance production staff, cultural facility / group staff, and local government staff, and I will be able to experience it as well.
In particular, “Body Sonic” is impressed by the fact that there is almost no time lag in the experience! “Mobile Connect” was a simulated experience while imagining how hearing aids and cochlear implant users would hear, but it seems very convenient to be able to freely adjust not only the volume of the sound but also the ease of listening to the bass and treble with the app. bottom.
Regarding the audience seats, it was adjusted so that about 70% of the total would be filled. Mr. Sugiyama reveals the intention as follows.
“Admission restrictions for corona measures have also been lifted, and in consideration of sales, I was able to fill 100% of the audience seats if I wanted to fill it. However, I was nervous when others were nearby. Some people will end up, so I decided to vacate a seat between the customers.
Speaking of ingenuity of seats, in addition to your own reserved seats, you can also use seats near the doorway called “evacuation seats”. Although it is a performance where you can freely enter and exit the hall, I hope that the psychological resistance to entering and exiting will be further reduced. ”
“There are many people with disabilities who are having a hard time going out. Even so, they come all the way with the expectation that they will be able to enjoy the concert themselves with” Relax Performance “. We want our customers to relax as much as possible and enjoy high-quality music, “says Sugiyama, who talks about his thoughts on the performance. It was said that all preparations were from that heart.
A state of the performance wrapped in a laid-back sense of unity
Before the performance starts at 14:00, children run around the audience seats, and there are people who start laughing out loud because of tension or excitement. It was a very rough atmosphere, and I already realized that the atmosphere was completely different from the classical music concerts I had experienced so far.
Kaito Kobayashi ? Satoshi Aoyagi Courtesy of Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
The performance was performed by five talented young artists who will lead the Japanese music world in the future.
The piano is Kaito Kobayashi, who won the second prize in the 11th piano category at the Tokyo Music Competition held every year at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. String Quartet is everyone of the group “HONO quartet” that the 9th string department # 1 of Moeno Kishimoto pressurized’s et al. Was formed.
(First violin: Pressurized Moeno Kishimoto’s, the second violin: HayashiAmaneMasashi’s, Viola: Takeshi Nagata, cello: Kanie Keigyo’s)
From the left, Ms. Moenoka Kishimoto, Ms. Shumasa Hayashi, Ms. Kaito Kobayashi, Ms. Takeshi Nagata, Ms. Yoshiyuki Kanie ? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
During the performance, Shiori Sakurai, the workshop leader of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, who conveys the joy and enjoyment of music and connects people with music, appears on the stage as a navigator. By explaining each song and inserting simple activities, we will liven up the progress so that even small children can watch the performance without getting tired until the end.
Shiori Sakurai on the left and Kaoru Yamazaki, a sign language interpreter on the right ? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
The songs played on the day are as follows.
In order to convey the charm of classical music such as the piano quintet, we are conscious of the tone of each instrument and the fact that this instrument can be played like this, and from each genre so that both beginners and advanced players can be satisfied. It seems that the songs were selected evenly.
1. Mussorgsky (arranged by Masanori Kato) / “Promenade” from the suite “Pictures at an Exhibition” 2. Elgar (arranged by Umitaro Abe) / Salut d’Amour 12 3. Takashi Yoshimatsu / Atom Hearts Club Quartet 70 1st and 4th movements 4. Stravinsky (arranged by Agosti) / “The Evil Dance of the Demon King Kaschei” from the ballet music “The Firebird” 5. Johann Strauss II / Kaiser-Walzer 437 (excerpt) 6. Poldini / Dancing Doll 7. Debussy / 3rd song “Moonlight” from “Suite Bergamasque” 8. Anderson / Plink Plank Prunck 9. Dvorak / Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major 81 to 3rd and 4th movements
With the first song “Promenade” and the second song “Salut d’Amour”, and the gentle songs that were famous from the beginning, the audience couldn’t concentrate. Many people may have been confused about how to deal with the unfamiliar performance format. (The same was true for the author)
However, as soon as I entered the third song “Atom Hearts Club Quartet” by the string quartet, the atmosphere until then changed completely. Cool sound with a sense of speed. The movement of the strings that dance violently and sometimes cut the wind. The performers also seemed to be starting the engine, and I felt that the consciousness in the hall was quickly concentrated on the stage.
In particular, the jerky and boogie-style rhythm of the 4th movement seemed to catch the hearts of the audience, and the girl who had been just looking around the audience seats until then was screaming with her hands rolling. It’s impressive.
The performance of “Dancing Doll” made me excited by the appearance of Mr. Hayashi who moves his body emotionally as if he were dancing. ? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
The seventh song “Moonlight” by piano solo is the most moist and quiet song in this performance. It was a time when the buzz of the audience was noticeable, but thanks to Mr. Kobayashi’s outstanding playing technique, which made the listeners imagine the scene richly, I was immersed in the world of sound without losing my concentration.
? Satoshi Aoyagi Provided by: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
I thought I knew the purpose of “relaxing performance” in my head, but for a while after the performance actually started, every time a loud voice or clapping sound echoed in the hall, I felt uneasy. was.
Perhaps because I had experience watching general classical music concerts, I was worried about “Is this okay?” And “What should I do if there is a problem between the audience?”
However, I feel relieved that everyone accepts everything loosely. If you can divide it by saying, “That’s what it is,” you’ll get used to the noise and be ready to enjoy playing. By the end of the day, the audience seemed to be satisfied with the hall, and it was 60 minutes that I realized that “this kind of concert is also good”.
Not all concerts should take this form of performance, but one of the options.
It is not suitable when you want to concentrate 100% on music, but there are many people who want to choose “relaxing performance” when they want to face music naturally and feel the music in their relationships with people. must.
When I asked the boy about 5 years old and his mother who loved the classical music that he was visiting, he said, “‘Moonlight’ was the best” and “I want to come again!”. The mother also smiles, “I’m always careful to keep quiet at the concert! But today’s performance is slow and the children can relax and listen.”
According to Mr. Sugiyama, many joyful voices were received from parents with children with disabilities.
“I was really impressed today because I had given up on going to a classical concert with my son with a disability. I couldn’t stop crying from the first song.”
“I was happy that my child, who was always listening to the performance from the monitor in the lobby, was able to watch it in the hall for the first time today.”
It shows how the “relaxing performance” performance could be an invaluable experience for people with disabilities and their families.
The challenge of Tokyo Bunka Kaikan has just begun
The “Relax Performance” performance is scheduled to be held every year in the future, so as long as we can’t wait for the next one.
Finally, Mr. Sugiyama talks about the significance of the performance.
“I learned from a special school that there are opportunities for cultural institutions and artists like us to go to school, but as soon as we graduate from school, art and cultural things It seems that many people are away from the school.
When I wanted to touch something musical, I received an urgent voice saying that I had no choice but to go to karaoke so as not to bother others.
If you think about it, we have been planning for various groups such as concerts for preschoolers and workshops for children from the age of zero, but there are plans that feature adults with disabilities. I didn’t.
I want to create a place where such people and their caregivers and their families can come with peace of mind without worrying about the eyes around them. The reason for this performance was that we wanted you to enjoy the real thrill of music not only with your eyes and with your ears, but also with a sense of distance that you can hear the sound from your skin. I feel that this is the mission of our hall, which is a public cultural facility.
The “Relax Performance” initiative has just begun. We are gradually powering up not only the content but also the system for delivering information and the system for welcoming you.
Now it’s time for everyone to come and teach us a lot. It’s a performance that reflects everyone’s voice more and more, so if you are interested, please consider watching it. ”
Outline of “Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Relaxing Performance-Concerts that can be enjoyed across generations and obstacles-“
Date and time
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 14: 00-15: 00
venue
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Small Hall
Ticket price
Flat rate 1,100 yen * Target age 4 years and over
Organizer
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Arts Council Tokyo
Special cooperation
Sennheiser Japan Co., Ltd., Pioneer Corporation, Furuno Systems Co., Ltd.
inquiry
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Business Section 03-3828-2111 (Representative)
A new project presented by the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. We will appoint top artists to create new opportunities for elementary to high school students to experience performing arts in theaters for the first time.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, which holds many performances and workshops for young people, will start a new project "Theater Debut Program". This is a program to plan and produce original stage works in collaboration with classical music and other genres for elementary school students and junior high and high school students by appointing top artists.
As children who have experienced music workshops and concerts for infants at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan grow up to be elementary school students, junior high and high school students, the next step is to encounter "performing arts" and experience the space of "theatre". will send. In addition, we will create opportunities for a wide range of children and students to come into contact with the live stage by conducting outreach at schools and setting invitation frames that narrow down the target age.
This year, which will be the first time, "Normal x Miyata Dai" Hamlet "" (for junior high school and high school students) on December 18th and 19th, and "Mushimezuru Himekun" (for elementary school students) on February 5th and 6th, 2022. Will be staged.
Music Program TOKYO Theater Debut Program Normal x Dai Miyata "Hamlet Hamlet" <New production in 2021>
The world of Shakespeare, woven by puppet actors and cellists.
Shocking collaboration again!
A collaboration between Tairajo, a puppet theater actor and director who has established a unique expression method, and Dai Miyata, a cellist who is active on the front lines of the classical music world. This work is a perfect fusion of the overwhelming performance of Taira, who plays all the roles alone, and Miyata's profound performance, which expresses the psychological situation and scenes of the characters with a cello, and the artistry of the two is condensed. Brings fresh surprises and excitement to the audience. A revised version of "Hamlet", which premiered at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in 2016, has been newly produced for junior high and high school students. Develop children's creativity and imagination by experiencing the stage by top artists and the charm of Shakespeare literature and classical music at the same time.
Performance date: December 18th (Sat) and 19th (Sun), 2021 14:00 start
<Scheduled performance time: Approximately 2 hours (including one break)>
Venue: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Small Hall (in front of JR Ueno Station Park Exit)
Screenplay / Direction / Art / Practical Performance: Normal
Music composition / cello: Dai Miyata
[Song]
JS Bach: "Prelude" from BWV1007, Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G major
Ravel: From Pavane for the Dead Princess
Kodaly: From unaccompanied Cello Sonata Op.8
Vivaldi: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A minor RV43
Other songs selected from the works of various composers
【ticket】
S seat 5,500 yen A seat 4,400 yen B seat sold out 25 years old or younger (common to all seats) 2,200 yen 18 years old or younger (common to all seats) 1,100 yen
Available at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan ticket service and others.
* Please refrain from entering preschool children.
* Please note that the contents are subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.
[Youth Invitation]
Target: 3rd year junior high school and 1st year high school
Number of people: 50 people for each performance, 100 people in total (lottery if there are many applications)
Application period: November 15th (Monday) -November 28th (Sunday)
How to apply: From the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan website ( https://www.t-bunka.jp/stage/10855/ )
[Synopsis]
Hamlet's father, King of Denmark, died suddenly. The king's younger brother, Claudius, marries Hamlet's mother and queen, Ghatroot, and takes the throne of the Danish king. Hamlet, who is depressed by his father's death and mother's remarriage, hears that his father's ghost appears from Horatio and goes to see him. The ghost tells Hamlet that he was poisoned by Claudius and tells him that he should never forgive this. In distress, Hamlet decides to disguise himself as crazy and find out the truth. Claudius realizes that Hamlet is aiming for his life and plans to kill him …
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Music Program TOKYO Theater Debut Program The Lady Who Loved Insects <New Production>
Innovative Heian picture scroll spelled out in butoh and classical music
"The Lady Who Loved Insects", which is included in the short story "The Lady Who Loved Insects" in the Heian period, depicts the eccentric princess who loves insects and the people who surround her.
The collaboration between "Butoh", a dance style unique to Japan, and classical music, including famous songs that everyone is familiar with, opens up a completely new world of Heian picture scrolls.
[Performance information] https://www.t-bunka.jp/stage/10729/
<Commentary "What is Butoh?" By Emiko Agatsuma (Director, Choreographer, Butoh)>
Performance date: February 5th (Sat) and 6th (Sun), 2022 15:00 start
<Scheduled performance time: Approximately 1 hour (no break)>
Venue: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Small Hall (in front of JR Ueno Station Park Exit)
Director / Choreography / Butoh: Emiko Agatsuma
Music Director / Composition / Piano: Masanori Kato
Soprano (storyteller): Rie Miyake
Flute: Yoshie Ueno * 1st prize in the woodwind section of the 2nd Tokyo Music Competition
Clarinet: Yuki Hamasaki
Cello: Tatsuki Sasanuma * 2nd place in the 12th string section
Butoh: Satoshi Shioya, Toranan Ame (Bright CAMP)
[Song]
JS Bach: Concerto for Two Violins in D minor BWV1043
Grieg: "At the In the Hall of the Mountain Devil" from the first suite of "Peer Gynt"
Lee Hobby: Snake
Masanori Kato: The Lady Who Loved Insects (World Premiere)
Other songs selected from the works of various composers
【ticket】
Elementary and junior high school students (common to all seats) 1,100 yen Adult S seats 3,300 yen A seats 2,200 yen Released on Saturday , November 6th at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Ticket Service and others.
* Please refrain from entering preschool children.
* Please note that the contents are subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.
[Children's invitation]
Target: 4th grade elementary school
Number of people: 50 people for each performance, 100 people in total (lottery if there are many applications)
Application period: November 15th (Monday) to December 5th (Sunday)
How to apply: From the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan website ( https://www.t-bunka.jp/stage/10729/ )
[Synopsis]
In the Heian period, when princesses liked flowers and butterflies and it was natural for them to be beautiful, there was a princess who loved insects and didn't care about her appearance at all. Even if the maid and her parents are in trouble, the wind blows everywhere.
An aristocratic young man who is interested in such a princess presents a karakuri snake with a love song to make fun of the princess. The princess who received it is truly! ??
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【profile】
Normal ("Hamlet" script, direction, art, puppet performance) TAIRA Jo
Established a unique expression method that fused solo play and puppet show. Also works on screenplay, direction, music and art. Received the silver prize of the Japanese puppet theater award for "La Marie-Vison" (written by Shuji Terayama) at the youngest age. Many awards such as the original work being commended by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. In 2011, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was the first Japanese artist to tour Palestine. The local audience was enthusiastic. A variety of repertoires such as "The Wizard of Oz" at the New National Theatre, China are performed all over the country. Appeared in Tokyo Bunka Kaikan performing arts creation project "Princess Media Story" (2014), "Hamlet" (2016), "SALOME" (2019), opera "400-year-old castrato (starring: Daichi Fujiki / reading: Baku Ohwada) Miho Owada) ”(2020). It is attracting attention from various fields, such as being featured frequently in the media such as "Good Morning Japan" and "Nonfiction W".
Dai Miyata ("Hamlet" music composition, cello) MIYATA Dai
Dai Miyata
In 2009, he became the first Japanese to win the Rostropovich International Cello Competition. He has won all the competitions he has participated in so far. His overwhelming performance has been well supported by composers and co-stars, and has been praised by world-famous conductor Seiji Ozawa, and he is developing international activities as a representative cellist in Japan. Recording activities are also active, and in 2020, the first duo album "Travelogue" with guitarist Yasuji Ohagi. In 2019, he released "Elgar: Cello Concerto" conducted by Thomas Dausgaard and co-starring with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. (Nippon Columbia) He has appeared in the mass media such as "Lalala Classic", "Untitled Concert" and "Tetsuko's Room". The instrument used is A. Stradivarius "Cholmondeley" made in 1698, which was lent by Ueno Fine Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
Butoh dancer, representative of Agaxart. Upon graduating from Waseda University School of Letters, he joined the Butoh group Dairakudakan and studied under Akaji Maro. Appeared in all works until independence in 2020. In 2015, he won the 46th Butoh Critics Association New Face Award for his choreographed and directed work "Niku no Uta", and was evaluated as "breathing a new breeze into a corner of Butoh." In 2019, at Banryuji Temple in Meguro-ku, he announced a collaboration between Butoh and Tea Ceremony, "Tera-dori-cha". In 2020, he was selected as a staying artist in Taipei Artist Village, released his solo work "Future Temple", and was invited to represent Japan from the 39th Battery Dance Festiva (l New York). He has more than 15 years of experience in teaching butoh, and also provides lectures and workshops for professional performers in Japan and Taiwan, such as Waseda University, Taipei National University of the Arts, and Tainan National University of the Arts. External works include "Knight without God" (directed by Mansai Nomura) and choreographed and performed by the movie "Killing for the Prosecution" (directed by Masato Harada).
Masanori Kato (Music Director, Composition, Arrangement, Piano for "The Lady Who Loved Insects") KATO Masanori
Masanori Kato
Composer / pianist. Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Composition, and completed graduate school at the same university. His works range from opera, orchestra, vocal music, and chorus, and he has a good reputation for creative arrangements that breathe new life into his works. He has provided songs to many soloists and is highly evaluated as a co-star pianist. Performances and classical lectures planned from a unique perspective, such as Oji Hall "Ginza Burat Concert Café Series" (planning / piano), Tokyo / Spring / Music Festival "Benjamin Britten's World" (planning / composition), etc. It is also attracting attention for its producing power. Works include the 2012 opera "White Tiger" (11th Yoshio Sagawa Music Award) and the 2018 "Sixteen Montage" (commissioned by Central Aichi Symphony Orchestra). Since 2016, he has been in charge of the NHK-FM "Keyboard Tsubasa" personality. Appointed as a resident producer of Nagano City Museum of Art in April 2019. He is working on the chorus arrangement of the NHK2020 support song "Paprika".
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Organizer: Tokyo / Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Tokyo Bunka Kaikan / Arts Council Tokyo
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs Cultural Arts Promotion Grant (Functional Enhancement Promotion Project for Theaters, Music Halls, etc.) | Japan Arts Council / Regional Creation
