Don’t miss “Bijinga” – the paintings of beautiful women, one of the key elements of the Fukuda collection

“Bijinga” is a term for paintings of beautiful women reflecting various viewpoints such as appearance, fashion and heart.  Bijinga became a major subject of Japanese painting after Meiji era (1868 – 1912)  and attracted many artists.  Uemura Shoen (1875-1949), a painter representing Kyoto, established her original Bijinga style and became a pioneer of female painters when women found it difficult to choose artists as professions. She was the first woman who received the Order of Culture.  “Beauty from every Angle:  Bijinga” exhibition focuses on Shoen’s works in which she pursued her ideal beauty.

In addition, we exhibit Bijinga of many famous Japanese painters such as Kaburaki Kiyokata (1878-1972) and Ito Shinsui (1898-1972).  The folding screen describing beautiful women was painted by Konoshima Ohkoku (1877-1938) who recently gained popularity for his fantastic animal paintings, and has been missing for a long time.  Please enjoy the techniques of the painters who elaborately describe the costumes, actions, and expression of beautiful women.

“Yuki-onna” – a rare Shoen’s work exhibited in public for the first time

We recently found the original work of “Yuki-onna” (literally snow woman). You might not believe that this is also painted by Shoen, comparing with her other delicate and colorful works. Please enjoy her diverse artworks.

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