The ongoing exhibition at ARC’s Kankai Pavilion, Celadon Vase (National Treasure) from the Hara Rokuro Collection will be over soon! After this show, the pavilion will be closed for change of exhibition.
Celadon vase with long neck on globular body (National Treasure), Southern Song dynasty, 12-13th century (photo taken during the first half part of the exhibition)
–Of the Chinese celadon vases that were introduced to Japan, this work is considered a masterpiece. With a beautiful pale blue glaze matched by a smooth surface and soft roundness, the vase is an exquisite example of harmonious beauty. Come and enjoy its beauty from a close distance!
Together with the celadon vase are shown Chinese paintings and other works on Chinese motifs.
Shen Quan, A pair of cranes and an old pine tree (detail), Qing dynasty, 18th century
–A pair of cranes and an old pine tree and A pair of cranes by Shen Quan (1682-?) are examples of 18th century Chinese paintings that are replete with various auspicious motifs. The painter came to Japan in 1731 and stayed in Nagasaki for about two years. Even after he had returned to China, he sent many works to Japan and gave a great impact on the paintings of the Edo period. Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) and Maruyama Okyo (1733-95) are some of the Japanese painters who received strong influence from Shen Quan.
Kano school, Scene based on an anecdote by Tao Yuanming (poet of the Jin dynasty) (originally part of works painted on wall paper and sliding door at Nikko-in Mi’idera temple) (detail), Momoyama – Edo period, 16 -17th century
–The work is based on an anecdote by the Chinese poet Tao Yuanming (365-427). The work was originally painted on fusuma (Japanese sliding door) and was later transformed into a hanging scroll. The scene here shows the poet opening a basket to release a white pheasant which he had raised.
Installation view (Part I) From left: Works by Robert Mapplethorpe, Mark Rothko and XuLin. Front: work by Maruyama Okyo (in a display case)
–Enjoy the color and form of each work, and above all, the dialogue between contemporary and traditional artworks!
The Kankai Pavilion will be closed from Monday, May 31 to Friday, July 2 for change of exhibition. The contemporary art galleries, however, will be open from Friday, June 11, with the exhibition focusing on a narrative power of art, featuring photographic works by artists from Japan and abroad. We look forward to your visit.
Summer exhibitions
■Contemporary Art Galleries A・B・C
Selections from the Hara Museum Collection: Tales of Art
Dates: June 11 (Fri.) – August 31 (Tues.), 2010
■Kankai Pavilion (traditional art)
Scenes of Wind, Scenes of Water
Part I: July 3 (Sat) – August 1 (Sun.), 2010 Part II: August 3 (Tues.) – August 31 (Tues.), 2010
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