High-Detail Replica of Ishida Yutei's 'Cranes' Returns Home to Hyogo Historical Museum

Canon and Kyoto Cultural Association Collaborate

The culture of Japan finds a modern twist as Canon Inc. and the NPO Kyoto Cultural Association proudly announce the donation of a high-detail replica of the 'Cranes' folding screen, originally painted by renowned artist Ishida Yutei. The presentation will occur at the Hyogo Prefectural History Museum, marking a significant homecoming for the artwork that embodies Yutei's incredible talent.

The Vibrant 'Cranes' Folding Screen

The original 'Cranes' folding screen is an exquisite piece that features an array of thirty-six cranes against a gilded gold backdrop. Different types of cranes like the Tancho, Manchurian, and Whooper are intricately depicted, displaying various poses and movements that create a dynamic composition. Ishida Yutei, who was born in Akashi County (now part of Hyogo Prefecture), was a prominent figure from the Tsurusawa school during the mid-Edo period. His style artfully merges realism with decorative elements, a hallmark also present in this masterpiece.

The original artwork resides in the Minneapolis Institute of Art in the USA, making public viewings in Japan exceedingly rare. The high-detail replica allows for a celebration of Yutei’s legacy in his birthplace of Hyogo.

Production of the High-Detail Replica

In creating the replica, Canon employed its cutting-edge full-frame mirrorless cameras to capture the intricate details of the original work. Utilizing a specially developed color-matching system, they processed the images before printing them on a large-format inkjet printer that features a twelve-color pigment ink setup. Additionally, artisans from Kyoto added decorative elements like gold leaf to create a faithful reproduction of the original screen.

Exhibition at Hyogo Prefectural History Museum

The replica will be exhibited at the Hyogo Prefectural History Museum from February 25, 2026, to May 6, 2026. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to view the piece up-close without glass barriers, allowing for an immersive experience that includes photography. During this timeframe, Yutei’s other notable work, the 'Four Seasons and Customs' folding screen, will also be displayed in the ‘Art and Life’ area of the museum, which is free to enter. This initiative not only highlights Yutei's creations but further positions the museum as a key cultural hub for preserving and sharing Hyogo's artistic heritage.

The 'Tsuzuri Project'

The 'Tsuzuri Project', initiated in 2007 by Canon and the Kyoto Cultural Association, is a vital cultural support initiative aimed at preserving Japan's rich artistic legacy. Many invaluable cultural assets in Japan, including those that have moved overseas or are guarded as national treasures, have limited viewing opportunities. This project effectively merges Canon’s imaging technology—spanning input, processing, and output—with the craftsmanship rooted in Kyoto’s traditional arts to faithfully reproduce high-detail replicas of these artworks.

Over its duration, the 'Tsuzuri Project' has produced more than sixty high-detail replicas, including those of famed artists like Katsushika Hokusai, Sotatsu Tawaraya, and Korin Ogata. These replicas are then donated to relevant temples, municipalities, and museums, fostering public appreciation and serving educational purposes in schools and community events.

For more information on the 'Tsuzuri Project', those interested can visit Canon's official project page.