The “Habitats” of Modern Japanese Paintings

Finished

The arrival of Western culture during the Meiji era brought cataclysmic changes to the appreciation of painting. In particular, the introduction of the exhibition system moved Japanese paintings from their former “habitat” of alcoves and tatami-floored reception rooms into exhibition venues.
As a result, painting shifted substantially toward forms more befitting of this new environment, including an increase in size and richly colored works. Against this historical backdrop, the Japanese paintings in the Sumitomo Collection are works intended to decorate residences, such as folding screens to welcome guests and hanging scrolls to decorate alcoves. Their soft qualities and auspicious motifs run counter to the art displayed at exhibitions.

This exhibition showcases the appeal and development of modern Japanese paintings to decorate alcoves and reception rooms by shining a spotlight on their “habitats,” which are now in the process of disappearing.

Schedule

Nov 2 (Thu) 2023-Dec 17 (Sun) 2023