Special Exhibition

The Genius of Ike no Taiga

Carefree Traveler, Legendary PainterApril 7–May 20, 2018, Heisei Chishinkan Wing

Eighteenth-century Kyoto produced some of the most distinctive and original
painters in Japanese history, including big names such as Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795) and Itō Jakuchū (1716–1800). But even amongst this star-filled lineup, theartist Ike no Taiga (1723–1776), stands with fellow painter Yosa Buson (1716–1783)
as the leader of the Chinese-influenced type of literati painting known as Nanga(“Southern painting”). Taiga’s works are done in a brisk, unfettered style said toexemplify the artist’s generous, humble character and indifference to fame andfortune.
This major exhibition covers Ike no Taiga’s long career from his earliest trials
through his mature works, giving a comprehensive picture of his lifelong pursuit ofart. In addition to these paintings, the exhibition will introduce materials showing
Taiga’s broad social interactions and revealing the delightful, freewheelingpersonality that was Ike no Taiga. One more feature of this exhibition is the focus
on Taiga’s extensive travels throughout Japan as an itinerant painter and theImportant Cultural Property
Five Hundred Arhats, by Ike no Taiga
Manpuku-ji Temple, Kyoto

influence of these wanderings on his artistic output.
(By Fukushi Yūya, Associate Curator of Early Modern Japanese Painting; translation by Melissa M. Rinne)

Landscapes of the Four Seasons, detail, by Ike no Taiga
MOA Museum of Art

National Treasure
The Ten Conveniences and the Ten Pleasures, by Ike no Taiga
Kawabata Yasunari Foundation

Feature Exhibition

New Acquisitions

June 12–July 16, 2018, Heisei Chishinkan Wing, Galleries 1F-2–6 and 2F-1
This feature exhibition highlights some of the finest works of art newly acquiredby the Kyoto National Museum between the fiscal years 2010 and 2016. Thepublic display of these hitherto unseen treasures was long delayed due to theconstruction of the Heisei Chishinkan Wing. This is the first exhibition of newacquisitions in seven years, and it should be worth the wait! The diverse varietyof masterworks on view include the 7th century Tang dynasty National Treasure
calligraphy Book of Han, Biography of Yang Xiong, Vol. 57 and Square Dishes with theChinese Monk Poet Hanshan (Kanzan) and the Kitchen Boy Shide (Jittoku), produced
jointly by Ogata Kōrin (1658–1743) and his brother Kenzan (1663–1743).
(By Inami Rintarō, Associate Curator of Illustrated Handscrolls; translation by Melissa M. Rinne)

Pagoda (from the 84,000 pagodas of Qian Hongchu)
Kyoto National Muesum

National TreasureBook of Han, Biography of Yang Xiong, Vol. 57, detail
Kyoto National Muesum

National Treasure
Landscape with Pavilions, left screen, by Ike no Taiga
Tokyo National Museum, on view May 2–20, 2018

Thematic Exhibitions inThe Collection
Galleries
3F-1
Ceramics
Ceramics of Japan and East AsiaCelebratory Ceramics: Dishes Used forBanquets
June 19–September 2, 2018
(Closed June 12–17, 2018)

3F-2
Archaeological Relics
Archaological Relics from Japan andKorea

True View of Mount Asama
By Ike no Taiga

Important Cultural Property
Square Dishes with the Chinese Monk Poet Hanshan (Kanzan) andShide (Jittoku)
Painting by Ogata Kōrin, ceramic by Ogata Kenzan
Kyoto National Muesum

June 19–September 2, 2018
(Closed June 12–17, 2018)

2F-1
Feature Exhibition
New Acquisitions
June 12–July 16, 2018

2F-2
Buddhist Paintings
The Bodhisattva Jizō (Ksitigarbha)
and.
the Ten Kings of HellJune 12–July 8, 2018

2F-3
Medieval Paintings
Ink Painters from the Kantō Region
June 12–July 8, 2018

2F-4
Illustrated Handscrolls
Legends of the Shakadō Hall (ShakadōEngi)
June 12–July 8, 2018

2F-5
Chinese Paintings
The Tanaka Collection of Chinese
Painting
June 12–July 8, 2018
Folding Chair with Floral Arabesques in Makie andMother-of-Pearl Inlay, Kyoto National Muesum