Two exhibitions — of court calligraphy, on imperial patronage of arts — run in tandem

The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan (Tokyo), which houses the artistic treasures passed down in the Imperial Household, is running two contrasting if not contradicting exhibitions simultaneously — one featuring classic calligraphy, the other themed on the imperial patronage of Japan’s modern arts.

Court Calligraphy: Celebrated Manuscripts by Legendary Calligraphers

Imperial Patronage of the Arts: Modern Japanese Painting, Sculpture & Decorative Arts

Oct 29 (Tue) – Dec 22 (Sun), 2024

The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
(East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo)

*See outline below for details

Court Calligraphy

“Court Calligraphy: Celebrated Manuscripts by Legendary Calligraphers,” one of the two exhibitions that opened on Oct. 29, 2024, features classic calligraphy executed and cherished by members of the imperial court in medieval and pre-modern Japan (11th-17th century).

Among the 13 items showcased are the “Collection of Myriad Leaves” (Kanazawa Version) — a copy made by Heian-period (12th-century) calligrapher Fujiwara no Sadanobu of the oldest extant anthology of waka (Japanese poems) — and the “Illustrated Miracles of the Kasuga Deity” (see top photo), a magnificent set of handscrolls from the Kamakura period (14th century) whose illustrations were rendered by Takashina Takakane, the chief painter of the court at the time. Both writings are government-designated national treasures of Japan.

Imperial Patronage of the Arts

“Imperial Patronage of the Arts: Modern Japanese Painting, Sculpture & Decorative Arts,” the other exhibition now running, features artworks — paintings, sculptures and works of decorative art — from among those acquired by the Imperial Household in the Meiji-Showa era (late 19th to mid 20th century). The Imperial Household in modern times is known to have been supportive of artists, making numerous visits to art exhibitions and purchasing excellent works to garner more public attention to Japan’s art world.

“Tree-Lined Avenue,” a work themed on the season of autumn by modern-contemporary painter Ota Kijiro (1883-1951) which will go on public view for the first time since its debut more than a century ago in 1914, and “Court Lady,” an ivory carving by modern sculptor Asahi Gyokuzan (1843-1923), are among the 25 works to go on display in this exhibition.

Both exhibitions will run through Dec. 22, 2024.

*All works included in the exhibition are housed at The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan