The Work of the Itaya Clan, Official Painters to the Shogun
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Folktale Momotaro (Peach Boy) (detail), By Itaya Hironaga, Edo period, 18th-19th century (Private collection)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
January 2, 2016 (Sat) - February 14, 2016 (Sun)Sumiyoshi Hiromori (1705–77) was the head of the Sumiyoshi school of painting and an official artist to the Shogun’s government. He was responsible mainly for works in a traditional Japanese style called yamato-e. After Hiromori fell ill, his pupil, Itaya Keishu Hiromasa, took over leadership of the school in 1773. Although Hiromasa retired in 1781, his position inherited by his eldest son, the government so prized Hiromasa’s work that they summoned him back into service the following year. This event led to the establishment of the Itaya clan of official painters to the Shogun.In FY2009, the museum received documents and other items connected with the Itaya clan, including copybooks and painting drafts, from the clan’s descendants.In FY2011, the museum held a Special Exhibition featuring these materials and Itaya clan artworks from the museum’s collection.
With the cooperation of the holders, this exhibition displays paintings that were brought to light through this research project. Drafts connected with the artistic activities of the Itaya clan are also on display.
Current exhibit includes:
Four Elegant Pastimes, By Itaya Hiromasa, Edo period, 18th century (Private collection)
Folktale Momotaro (Peach Boy), By Itaya Hironaga, Edo period, 18th-19th century (Private collection)
Raryo'o (Court music and dance) (Copy), By Itaya Hirotaka Formerly preserved by the Itaya family, Edo period, 18th-19th century (Gift of Mr. Itaya Hiro'oki)
Scrapbook of draft paintingsIn scrapbook style, Formerly preserved by the Itaya family, Edo period, 17th-19th century (Gift of Mr. Itaya Hiro'oki)
Album of Flowers and Birds, Copies and sketches in scrapbook style, Formerly preserved by the Itaya family, Edo period-Showa era, 17th-20th century (Gift of Mr. Itaya Hiro'oki)