#Japan #Aizuwakamatsu #Canon Inc. #Snow Mountain #Fujishima

A Cultural Homecoming: 'Flower and Bird' Folding Screen in Fukushima

In a significant cultural gesture, Canon Inc. and the Kyoto Culture Association are donating a high-precision replica of the 'Flower and Bird' folding screen, attributed to the artist Yukimura Shūkei, to Fukushima Prefecture. This replica is a part of the 18th phase of the Tsuzuri Project (Cultural Heritage Future Legacy Project), showcasing the fusion of advanced imaging technology and Kyoto's traditional craftsmanship. The replica will be displayed at the Fukushima Prefectural Museum from May 30 to June 21, 2026.

A Masterpiece from the Muromachi Period

The 'Flower and Bird' folding screen is a monumental piece created during the Muromachi period, known for its exquisite ink painting. Yukimura Shūkei, the artist behind this creation, was celebrated for his distinctive style and spent much of his life in the Aizu and Miharu regions, establishing a deep connection to Fukushima.

The original artwork resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in the United States, making opportunities to view it in Japan exceedingly rare. This donation signifies a homecoming for Yukimura’s work, allowing the people of Fukushima to engage with their artistic heritage.

Creation Process of the Replica

The high-precision replica has been crafted using Canon’s state-of-the-art full-frame mirrorless cameras to capture the original artwork. Employing a uniquely developed color matching system, the images underwent meticulous processing and were printed using large-format inkjet printers equipped with twelve colors of pigment inks. The folding screen was then assembled by skilled traditional craftsmen in Kyoto to ensure an authentic representation of the original piece.

Upcoming Exhibition and Events at the Fukushima Prefectural Museum

To commemorate this momentous event, a donation ceremony and a talk event open to the public will be held at the Fukushima Prefectural Museum on May 29, 2026. The talk will feature presentations on the Tsuzuri Project and insights on the relationship between Aizu and Yukimura from experts at the museum.

The donated replica will be displayed in the museum's entrance hall from May 30 to June 21, allowing visitors to appreciate it up close without glass barriers. Photography will also be permitted, making it a unique opportunity for attendees. Additionally, the museum will host a themed exhibition titled 'Aizu Paintings,' showcasing works by artists connected to the Aizu region, including pieces by Yukimura.

Event Details

• - Date: May 29, 2026, from 14:00-16:00 (Ceremony: 14:00-14:30, Talk Event: 14:50-15:20 & 15:30-16:00)
• - Location: Fukishima Prefectural Museum, Snow Country Craft Production Plaza (1-25 Joto-cho, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima)
• - Admission: Free
• - Reservations: Not required (First-come, first-served, limited to 20 attendees)

About the Tsuzuri Project

The Tsuzuri Project, initiated in 2007, is a collaborative effort between Canon and the Kyoto Culture Association aimed at preserving Japan's cultural heritage. Many significant cultural assets have limited opportunities for public viewing due to their overseas locations or status as national treasures. By combining Canon’s imaging technologies with the expert craftsmanship of Kyoto artisans, the project has successfully created over 60 high-precision replicas of renowned works, including those by Katsushika Hokusai and Ogata Korin. These replicas are donated to museums, temples, and other institutions to make cultural treasures accessible to the public.

For further details on the Tsuzuri Project, visit their official website here.