Art of the Modern Era | Late 19th–first half of 20th century
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Old Man from The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, By Yonehara Unkai, Meiji era, 1910
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 18
March 21, 2023 (Tue) - June 11, 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 | The Bodhisattva Kannon Riding a Dragon | By Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–89) | Meiji era, 19th century | A-205 | On exhibit through April 23, 2023 | ||
| Highlight | Apprentice Geisha ("Maiko") in Kyoto | By Hayami Gyoshū (1894–1935) | Taishō era, 1920 | A-10527 | On exhibit from April 25, 2023 | ||
| Leaping Carp Under the Cherry Tree | By Iijima Kōga (1829–1900) | Meiji era, 1874 | A-339 | On exhibit through April 23, 2023 | |||
| Portrait of Madame H | By Wada Eisaku (1874–1959) | Meiji era, 1911 | Gift of Mr. Hatano Mototake, A-11805 | ||||
| Highlight | Essence | By Yoshida Hiroshi (1876–1950) | Meiji era, 1909 | Gift of Mrs. Yoshida Fujio, A-11499 | |||
| Highlight | Plaque with Monkeys Playing with a Mantis | By Kagawa Katsuhiro (1853–1917) | Meiji era, 1892 | Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, E-12754 | |||
| Highlight | Jar with a Pair of Phoenixes | By Kinkōzan Sōbei Vll (1868–1928) | Meiji era, 1892 | Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, G-125 |