Uniquely Japanese seasonal objects have been the subject of a number of Japanese painters, and in these works, we can enjoy the each season’s aesthetics through landscapes, flower and bird paintings (kacho-ga), portraits and animal paintings. Cherry blossoms cascading in the spring wind, a kimono-wearing woman enjoying cooling down with a traditional Japanese fan, uchiwa, held in her hand, quails showing their pleasing behaviors in autumn fields, pure white snow thoroughly covering the surrounding – these works, implying the transience of changing seasons and having rich poetry, have long attracted the attention of viewers.
In this exhibition, we will display works of seasonal Japanese plants and animals, and events and customs depicting the transition from one season to another. This exhibition, displaying works that depict various motifs expressing a season, would be called a “Seasonal Compendium” of Japan. We hope you will appreciate the numerous peaceful works, enjoying the beauty of the Japanese seasons grasped by the masters of modern Japanese painting.