High-Resolution Replica of National Treasure 'Maple Picture' Donated to Nanao City

High-Resolution Replica of National Treasure 'Maple Picture' Donated to Nanao

In a significant cultural initiative, Canon Inc. and the Kyoto Cultural Association have collaborated on the 'Tsuzuri Project', under which they have created a high-resolution replica of the national treasure 'Maple Picture', originally painted by Hasegawa Tōhaku. This replica is being generously donated to Nanao City, the place of Hasegawa Tōhaku's birth, to aid recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

A Glimpse into 'Maple Picture'

'Maple Picture' is revered as one of the masterpieces of the Momoyama period. It features a background of gold leaf, with a grand maple trunk and vividly colored leaves in shades of green and red, beautifully expressing the grandeur and lyrical essence of Japan’s autumn landscape. Often regarded as one of the finest achievements in the genre of gold-leaf wall paintings, this artwork is paired with Hasegawa’s son’s work, 'Cherry Blossom Picture', both of which have been designated as national treasures.

The Tsuzuri Project, dedicated to promoting the preservation of cultural heritage, has meticulously crafted the replica of 'Maple Picture' with the collaboration of the original custodian, the Chisan-ji Temple of the Shingon sect, reflecting a heartfelt commitment to the recovery of Noto.

Craftsmanship Behind the Replica

The creation of this high-resolution piece involved advanced imaging technology. Canon utilized its full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R5, to capture the original artwork. Following this, a proprietary color-matching system was employed for image processing, which was outputted via a large-format inkjet printer utilizing 12-color pigment inks. To authenticate the replica further, traditional craftsmen in Kyoto enhanced the piece with decorative gold leaf application and careful mounting, ensuring the replica is as true to the original as possible.

Exhibition at Nanao Art Museum

The donated artwork is set to be displayed at the Nanao Art Museum on September 20 and 21, 2025. This exhibit will allow a unique experience as visitors can appreciate the piece up close without glass cases obstructing their view, and photography will be encouraged. Notably, the Nanao Art Museum, which had been closed due to damages from the earthquake, will be reopening for the 'Hasegawa Tōhaku Exhibition' coinciding with this special event.

Educational Outreach in Local Schools

In an effort to engage the community, the donation will also facilitate educational outreach through visiting classes in local elementary and middle schools, in collaboration with the 'People, Noto, Art' project, organized by the Tokyo National Museum. These classes will feature a viewing of high-resolution replicas from the Tsuzuri Project, including Hasegawa's acclaimed 'Pine Forest Screen'. This initiative seeks to provide students with an enriching opportunity to learn about local artist Hasegawa Tōhaku and immerse themselves in Japanese cultural heritage. Following the donation, the replica will continue to be utilized in various educational programs and exhibitions at the Nanao Art Museum.

A video detailing the deep-rooted mission behind this donation project titled 'National Treasure 'Maple Picture': A Wish for Recovery in Hasegawa's Birthplace, Nanao' is also available for viewing.

About the Tsuzuri Project

The Tsuzuri Project is a collaborative cultural support initiative established in 2007 between Canon and the Kyoto Cultural Association. Many precious cultural assets in Japan, either made overseas or preserved as national treasures, offer limited opportunities for public viewing. The Tsuzuri Project aims to reproduce these original works faithfully using Canon’s imaging technology combined with the traditional craftsmanship of Kyoto artisans. The high-resolution replicas produced are then generously donated to temples, local governments, and museums, ensuring they can be publicly displayed and utilized for educational purposes. Over the years, the project has successfully recreated more than 60 high-resolution replicas of works from renowned artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Ogata Kōrin.

For more information on the Tsuzuri Project, visit the official website: Tsuzuri Project.

Details regarding the opening hours and exhibition details can be found on the Nanao Art Museum's website: Nanao Art Museum.

For more on the 'People, Noto, Art' project, visit the Tokyo National Museum's page: Tokyo National Museum.