Anniversary Projects

On the occasion of TNM’s 150th anniversary, this exhibition explores the rich literati culture of Japan and China, as epitomized by Wang Xizhi and the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering. It introduces representative works by this master calligrapher alongside paintings and calligraphy themed on the purification ceremony at the Orchid Pavilion. Also featured are works related to literary gatherings or exchanges between literati figures. The exhibition is divided into four themes: “The Wang Xizhi Calligraphy Tradition,” “The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering and its Culture,” “Various Kinds of Literary Gatherings,” and “Literary Gatherings in Landscape Paintings.”

Major Works in this Exhibition

Shiqui Calligraphy Copybook (detail), Original calligraphy by Wang Xizhi, Original calligraphy: Eastern Jin dynasty, 4th century (Gift of Mr. Egawa Ginshū, On exhibit from March 14, 2023)

Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering (Wu Bing Copy of the Ding Wu Version) (detail), Original calligraphy by Wang Xizhi, Original calligraphy: Eastern Jin dynasty, 353 (Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, On exhibit from February 28, 2023)

Purification Ceremony at the Orchid Pavillion, By Qian Huian, Qing dynasty, 1887 (Gift of Mr. Aoyama Keiji, On exhibit from March 14, 2023)