Art of the Modern Era | Late 19th–first half of 20th century
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The Zen Monk Fenggan (detail), By Kawanabe Kyosai, Meiji era, 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 18
July 12, 2022 (Tue) - October 2, 2022 (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 Zen Monk Fenggan | By Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–89) | Meiji era, 19th century | A-883 | On exhibit through August 21, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Peafowl | By Taki Katei (1832–1901) | Meiji era, 1892 | Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, A-156 | On exhibit from August 23, 2022 | ||
| Highlight | Nude | By Umehara Ryūzaburō (1888–1986) | Shōwa era, 1931 | Gift of the artist, A-11680 | |||
| Highlight | Gong | By Uozumi Iraku I | Shōwa era, 1947 | E-20043 |