#Japan #Ota City #Kawabata Ryūshi #Ryūshi Memorial

Celebrating Kawabata Ryūshi's Artistic Vision

The Ryūshi Memorial Museum, located in Ota City, Tokyo, is set to host a captivating exhibition titled "A Glance at the Source: Kawabata Ryūshi Through Motifs." This exhibition will run from December 6, 2023, to March 8, 2024, showcasing the brilliance of esteemed Japanese painter Kawabata Ryūshi (1885-1966). This curated selection focuses on the distinctive subjects of his works through the lenses of "classical motifs" and "actual models."

One of the highlights is the painting titled Yasurai (1958), which captures the serene image of the Kannon deity, an interpretation that diverges from traditional Buddhist painting styles. Ryūshi's unique creativity shines through as he explores the tranquility of the Kannon—a stark contrast to conventional representations.

Another remarkable piece, Tora no Ma (1947), draws inspiration from Kanō Tanyū’s Gunkōzu (Group of Tigers), where Ryūshi ingeniously embeds his own image amidst the majestic tigers. By depicting himself as a "dragon" facing the tigers, he revives and contemporizes the traditional motifs of dragon-tiger paintings, offering viewers a new perspective on this classical theme.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Period: December 6, 2023 - March 8, 2024
• - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
• - Closed on: Mondays (if a holiday, the museum remains open, closing the following day), and the year-end holidays (December 29 - January 3)
• - Admission Fees: 200 yen for adults; 100 yen for students below middle school age. Free for those aged 65 and older (with proof), preschool children, and one caregiver for those with disabilities.
• - Location: Ryūshi Memorial Museum, 4-2-1 Chuō, Ota City, Tokyo.

Related Events

The museum will host gallery talks where curators will discuss featured works. These are scheduled as follows:

• - Dates: December 21, 2023, January 18, February 15, and March 8, 2024
• - Time: 1:00 PM each day
• - Participation Fee: Only museum admission is required
• - Eligibility: Open to all interested parties.

About Ryūshi Park

Adjacent to the museum, Ryūshi Park houses Ryūshi's former residence and studio, both preserved in their original condition. The residence, which survived air raids in the aftermath of World War II, and the studio, built in 1938 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Seiryūsha (a group Ryūshi founded), are important tangible cultural properties registered by the government.

Visitors can join guided tours by museum staff on the days the museum is open. Tours take place at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the legacy of Kawabata Ryūshi while appreciating the tranquility and artistry of his preserved surroundings.

This exhibition not only pays tribute to Ryūshi’s legacy but also invites audiences to contemplate the intersections of tradition and modernity in Japanese art. It’s a profound experience for art enthusiasts and novices alike, making it a must-visit event this winter in Ota City.