From Hara Museum ARC, Gunma
In Gunma, it is starting to feel like spring at last.
Today, we introduce a work from the Hara Rokuro Collection of traditional East-Asian masterpieces, one of several included in the current exhibition at the Kankai Pavilion, Silent Radiance–Selections from the Hara Rokuro Collection, on view from Saturday, March 17 .
The work in question is Kano Eitoku’s Tiger in a bamboo groove, a hanging scroll from the Edo period. It is the first time in two years that this work has been displayed.
Kano Eitoku Tiger in a bamboo groove (part of paintings used for wallpaper and sliding doors at Nikko-in guest hall in Mi’idera temple) hanging scroll, Momoyama period
This work once adorned a wall. The fact that very few Eitoku paintings exists today raises the intrinsic value of this painting for scholars who study the artist. The wall in question was at the Nikko-in guest hall at Mi’idera temple (Onjoji) in Shiga prefecture. It was later converted into the form of a hanging scroll.
In this large-sized painting, we see a mother tiger and her cub resting in a wind-blown bamboo grove. The mother’s tense expression and fluid posture imply a readiness to defend her sleeping cub. This painting is similar to another painting called Tiger and Bamboo by Eitoku’s father Kano Shoei (1519-92) (in the Juko-in sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple, Kyoto). However, in the painting by Eitoku (1543-90) we feel a pervasive tension that is absent in the one by Shoei.
When you are in front of the painting, look closely at the quality of the line. You will notice how exquisite the atmosphere and objects are expressed by the use of ink alone.
Featured works (selected)
Traditional Art:
【Part I】 Kano Eitoku Tiger in a bamboo groove (part of paintings used for wallpaper and sliding doors at Nikko-in guest hall in Mi’idera temple) hanging scroll, Momoyama period／Kano school Scene based on an old Chinese anecdote ‘Assembly at the Orchid Pavilion’(part of paintings used for wallpaper and sliding doors at Nikko-in guest hall in Mi’idera temple) four hanging scrolls, Momoyama – Edo period／Book of model handwriting, called ‘Reiso-dai‘ Nara – Muromachi period, and others
【Part II】 Sesson Portrait of Lie Zi Muromachi period／Kano Eitoku Tiger in a bamboo groove (part of paintings used for wallpaper and sliding doors at Nikko-in guest hall in Mi’idera temple) four hanging scrolls, Momoyama period／Kano Tan’yu Avalokitesvara appearing from the clam Edo period／Shen Nanping A pair of cranes and an old pine tree Qing dynasty, and others
Contemporary Art:
Anish Kapoor void 1992／Hitomi Uchikura Lumiēre 2007／Izumi Kato Untitled 2008, and others
Place: Hara Museum ARC (2855-1, Kanai, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma 377-0027) Tel: 0279-24-6585
Organized by: Hara Museum of Contemporary Art
Hours: 9:30 am-4:30 pm *Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Thursdays (except March 22, 29 and May 3) *Closed temporarily in the event of severe weather.
Admission: General (over 12) 1,000 yen; Children (over 3) 500 yen; 10% discount for a group of 20 or more.
**Children must be accompanied by an adult ***Combination ticket for Hara Museum ARC and Ikaho Green Bokujo ranch: General 1,800 yen; Children 900 yen (except April 29, May 3 – 6)
Hara Museum ARC is now participating in MuPon (museum discount ticket system using iPhone application) !
http://www.tokyoartbeat.com/apps/mupon
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