For the first time in 39 years, two masterpieces of Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716) enchant visitors in the same exhibition: the Red and White Plum Blossoms (National Treasure) and the Wind God and Thunder God (Important Cultural Property, the Tokyo National Museum collection).
In the former, possibly one of his last works, the tension in the composition comes from the bold design in which a wide current in the middle separates the two age-old plum trees placed on each side. This work arguably represents the culmination of Kōrin’s artistic career, with the world-famous stylized designs of plum flowers and flowing water. The Wind God and Thunder God is known to be a faithful study of the same motifs painted by Tawaraya Sōtatsu (birth unknown–1643), from whom Kōrin took much inspiration. In comparison, experts point out some traces of influence observed in his later work the Red and White Plum Blossoms.
The curation of the exhibition also includes Kōrin’s other works that draw on Sōtatsu’s style as well as artworks of other Rinpa artists from the Museum collection. Some modern takes on the century-old motifs are also included to cast a fresh eye on the celebrated Thunder God and Wind God, including the painting of Yasuda Yukihiko (Toyama Memorial Museum collection) and the animation film of Inoue Ryo.
Open on public holiday Thursday but closed on the following day. Closed in between exhibitions.
Fee
Adults ¥1760; University and High School Students ¥1100; Seniors 65 & Over ¥1540; Junior High School Students and Under, Persons with Disability Certificates + 2 Companion free
No comments yet