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The Art of Motif Formula — The Aesthetics Born from Combining Traditional

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In kimono and painting, it is common to combine “patterns,” (or motifs) to express particular images or feelings. These combined motifs have long been cherished as a way to share with others the scenes, impressions, and wishes evoked by a work of art. They function as a kind of aesthetic formula, developed to communicate a rich image with minimal information.
Representative traditional Japanese combinations such as “Pine, Bamboo, and Plum” or “Cranes over Waves” are examples of this. Today, we often see only the “results” of these formulas, without realizing the underlying structure.
In this exhibition, we feature works from the Chiso collection that include the motifs “plum blossoms,” “cranes,” and “the moon.” By breaking down these motifs and recombining them, we explore the imagery created through their relationships.
We invite you to enjoy the rich world of motifs.

Schedule

Dec 13 (Sat) 2025-Mar 10 (Tue) 2026