Higashiyama Kaii (東山魁夷; 1908-1999) depicted a variety of landscapes in dialogue with nature throughout the four seasons. His poetic works, which depict everything from the nature of the sea and mountains to the cityscapes of ancient capitals, are still loved by people a quarter of a century after his death.
The Yamatane Museum of Art is now exhibiting all of Kaii’s works in its collection and introducing his seasonal landscapes. In addition, a special exhibition will be held to introduce a selection of masterpieces on the theme of summer, from ukiyo-e (浮世絵) to modern and contemporary Japanese painting, as well as objects that evoke a sense of coolness.
Term: 20 July (Sat.) – 23 September (Mon.) 2024
Open: 10 am – 5 pm (Last admission at 4:30 pm)
Closed: Closed on 8/13, 9/17 and Mondays, except for 8/12, 9/16, 9/23
Yamatane Museum of Art official website: https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/
Exhibition Overview
Of particular note is the large painting ‘Rising Tide (満ち来る潮)’, over 9 metres wide, which combines the universal image of the Japanese sea with the decorative qualities of traditional Japanese painting. This gem was commissioned by the museum’s first director, who commissioned the artist to create a work in the same style as Kaii’s representative work in the new Imperial Palace. Another highlight of the exhibition is the series of paintings entitled ‘Keirakushiki (京洛四季)’ (four works, including ‘End of the Year’), which depict the elegance of the Kyoto area and the changing seasons in a prestigious manner, inspired by the words of the writer Kawabata Yasunari (川端康成).
Higashiyama Kaii, Rising Tide; Yamatane Museum of Art
Higashiyama Kaii, End of the Year; Yamatane Museum of Art
This exhibition features a selection of works that are cool to the eye, including ‘Rising Tide’, which depicts a dynamic seascape with white waves, Yokoyama Taikan (横山大観)’s Sea in Summer, which depicts the Japanese sea and the silver moon, and Uemura Shōen (上村松園)’s Firefly, which captures the momentary poise of a woman in a blue yukata (浴衣). We hope you will enjoy a refreshing moment through Higashiyama Kaii’s landscapes and fine works depicting summer in Japan.
Uemura Shōen, Firefly, Color on Silk, 1913, Yamatane Museum of Art
Higashiyama Kaii, Spring Calm; Yamatane Museum of Art
*All works are from the Yamatane Museum of Art collection unless otherwise noted.
*Eye – catching image Higashiyama Kaii, Rising Tide; Yamatane Museum of Art
Term: 20 July (Sat.) – 23 September (Mon.) 2024
Open: 10 am – 5 pm (Last admission at 4:30 pm)
Closed: Closed on 8/13, 9/17 and Mondays, except for 8/12, 9/16, 9/23
Yamatane Museum of Art official website: https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/
