Art of the Modern Era | Late 19th–first half of 20th century
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Beautiful Sound, By Shimazaki Ryū'u, Meiji era, 1907 (Gift of the artist)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 18
January 2, 2023 (Mon) - March 19, 2023 (Sun)Drastic changes in the late 19th century created new challenges for artists. The samurai government that had strictly regulated contact with the outside world collapsed in a civil war. Japan's new leaders announced the start of the Meiji era (1868–1912), engaging with the world and reforming their nation to be more like “the West” (mainly Europe and the United States).
These leaders soon realized that works produced in Japan were not seen as “fine art” in the West. Artisans often mounted paintings on sliding doors and folding screens, but this practice made them look like furniture to Europeans and Americans. Japan's ceramics, lacquerware, metalwork, and textiles were also labeled as “decorative art” rather than “fine art.”
In response, artistic traditions were changed to meet Western standards. Japan's leaders established schools of fine art, organized national exhibitions, and urged artists to participate in world fairs. They intended to show the world that Japan was a “modern” nation with sophisticated arts and culture. The works on display reflect how Japanese artists met these challenges.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Beautiful Sound | By Shimazaki Ryū'u (1865–1937) | Meiji era, 1907 | Gift of the artist, A-1387 | On exhibit through February 12, 2023 | ||
| Highlight | Apostasy | By Kobayashi Kokei (1883–1957) | Taishō era, 1914 | A-10546 | On exhibit from February 14, 2023 | ||
| Highlight | Autumn in Grez-sur-Loing | By Asai Chū (1856–1907) | Meiji era, 1901 | A-11171 | |||
| Highlight | Plaque with a Scene of the "Genjōraku" Dance | By Unno Shōmin (1844–1915) | Meiji era, 1893 | Gift of the Japan Delegate Office for the World's Columbian Exposition, E-12757 |