2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Kiyokata Kaburaki (1878-1972), an artist who is esteemed for his bijinga (pictures of beautiful women), which rank with the work of Shoen Uemura. This commemorative exhibition, a major retrospective of Kaburaki’s works made up of approximately 110 Nihonga paintings, marks the first time that a retrospective of this scale has ever been held at this museum, and the first time in 45 years that one has been held in Kyoto.
Born in Tokyo at a time when it still retained strong characteristics of Edo (as the city was known until 1868), Kaburaki, a genuine Meiji-era Tokyoite, created a host of works dealing with Edo and Tokyo throughout his life. One of Kaburaki’s most notable works, Tsukiji Akashi-cho Town, disappeared for many years until eventually resurfacing in 2018. Not only is this one of the artist’s preeminent works, it is also considered to be one of the finest examples of bijinga in the history of modern Japanese painting. As the painting and two other works, which came to light at the same time, Hama-cho Gashi Zone and Shintomi-cho Town, are contained in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo Collection, it was possible to present the trilogy at the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (which is affiliated with the Tokyo facility) for the entire exhibition period. In addition to Kaburaki’s genres paintings of Edo and Tokyo, he is known for works that deal with literature, drama, kabuki, and rakugo storytelling. The artist developed a deep familiarity with these themes as a child under the influence of his father Jono Saigiku, a writer of popular fiction who was also involved in establishing the Tokyo Nichinichi Shimbun (Tokyo Daily News), the forerunner to the Mainichi Shimbun. Also on view throughout the exhibition will be Kaburaki’s works Scene from the Kabuki Play Nozaki-mura and Portrait of San’yutei Encho, a designated Important Cultural Property.
Open on a public holiday Monday but closed on the following day. Closed during the New Year holidays and in between exhibitions.
Notice
Exhibition Hours 9:30-18:00.
Fee
Adults ¥1800; University Students ¥1100; High School Students ¥600; Junior High School Students and Under, Persons with Disability Certificates + 1 Companion free.
5 minute walk from exit 1 at Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line, 15 minute walk from exit 9 at Sanjo Station on the Keihan line; From JR Kyoto Station, take the bus and get off at Okazaki Koen/Bijutsukan,Heian Jingu-mae.
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