#Japan #Cleveland Museum #Izumi #Tsuzuri Project #Tosa Mitsuyoshi

Cleveland Museum's High-Resolution Replica Donation Project

A remarkable cultural exchange has been initiated as Canon Inc. and the Kyoto Cultural Association collaborate on the 'Tsuzuri Project,' officially recognized as the Cultural Heritage Future Succession Project. They have successfully produced a high-resolution replica of the 'Kiri Take Ho-o Kujo' folding screen, attributed to the renowned Tosa Mitsuyoshi. This replica will be donated to Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture, embodying the spirit of returning a piece of history to its roots.

The Artwork: Kiri Take Ho-o Kujo

The 'Kiri Take Ho-o Kujo' screen, depicting a pair of male and female phoenixes and peacocks against a backdrop of kiri trees and bamboo, was created during the Momoyama period in the 16th century. The artwork is celebrated for its vibrant colors and ornate details that dramatically contrast with the gold leaf background, showcasing an opulent display that embodies the richness of Japanese art.

In the right panel, the central phoenix is surrounded by spring flowers such as violets and horsetail, while the left panel features the peacock, accented with gentians and lantern plants, symbolizing the deeper hues of autumn. Recognized as a significant piece in Japanese art history, the screen melds elements of the Kano school with the Yamato-e tradition, evidencing the exceptional skill of Mitsuyoshi, known for his delicate technique and meticulous attention to detail.

Originally housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, this replica's journey back to Izumi City is particularly poignant. Mitsuyoshi operated from Izumi, a region rich with cultural heritage, fostering connections with merchants and intellectuals of his time.

The Creation Process

To ensure the fidelity of the replica, Canon employed its full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R5, to capture high-resolution images of the original artwork. Utilizing a state-of-the-art color-matching system developed by Canon, these images underwent sophisticated processing. Additionally, the final output was achieved using a large-format inkjet printer infused with twelve pigment colors. To finalize the presentation, skilled craftsmen from Kyoto added decorations using gold leaf and other traditional methods, successfully mimicking the original piece's elegance.

Exhibition Details

The replica will be publicly displayed at the Izumi City Kubo-so Memorial Museum from June 26, 2025, to March 22, 2026. This museum is cherished as a cultural hub, known for housing several masterpieces of oriental art, national treasures, and essential cultural properties. During this exhibition, attendees will have the unique opportunity to photograph the artwork and admire its intricate details up close without barriers. The realism and beauty achieved through this exceptional replica promise to captivate visitors, making it a must-see.

Post-exhibition, the replica will remain a permanent part of the museum's collection. Plans are underway for its participation in various local cultural events organized by Izumi City, showcasing the work of the beloved local artist.

About the Tsuzuri Project

The Tsuzuri Project, launched in 2007, is a crucial cultural support initiative by Canon and the Kyoto Cultural Association. This project aims to address the limited public access to Japan’s treasured cultural properties, many of which have been preserved as national treasures or have crossed borders throughout history. Through meticulous overlapping of Canon's imaging technology and traditional Kyoto craftsmanship, the project has successfully created high-resolution replicas of original cultural assets. So far, over sixty artworks, including masterpieces by Katsushika Hokusai and Ogata Korin, have been realized. These replicas are distributed to temples, local governments, and museums, enhancing educational opportunities and public appreciation for cultural heritage. For more information, please refer to the Tsuzuri Project's official website: Tsuzuri Project