In Japan, some animals, plants, and things in nature have long been called auspicious. The crane is a symbol of longevity, based on the saying that the crane can live for a thousand years, while a set of pine, bamboo and ume (Japanese plum), are called the “Three Friends of Winter” because they can bear the coldness of winter, and are regarded as a symbol of good fortune. People pour wishes for youth and longevity, prosperity for their descendants and fertility into these auspicious symbols. Not a few Japanese paintings have taken such lucky symbols as subjects, making the viewer happy. Modern painters have also painted those things, pouring into them their wishes for happiness.
This exhibition, besides those auspicious symbols, will also display works of Bodhisattvas and hermits. All these paintings, which were depicted by Yokoyama Taikan and other great masters, would be enjoyable and evoke happiness within.