Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century
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Beauties under Cherry Blossoms (detail), By Nagasawa Rosetsu, Edo period, 18th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 8
February 20, 2024 (Tue) - April 7, 2024 (Sun)A thriving economy, foreign trade, and better education invigorated painting and calligraphy. Previously, ruling classes like the samurai and court nobility were the main patrons of art. But in the Edo period (1603–1868), more people started to benefit from the economy. Successful merchants in particular gained the wealth to support artists and buy their works.
Many painters continued working in traditional styles, while others started looking to outside sources for inspiration. Paintings and painting manuals imported from China were one source. Another was the books and prints that traders brought from Europe, which showed techniques like realistic shading and perspective. As a result, painting in Japan became more diverse in style and subject matter.
Meanwhile, the ancient custom of writing with a brush and ink continued. The literacy rate increased dramatically as schools for different social classes were established, particularly in cities and towns. The publishing industry thrived and more people took up the art of calligraphy.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Beauties under Cherry Blossoms | Hanging scroll | By Nagasawa Rosetsu (1754–1799) | Edo period, 18th century | A-12437 | ||
| The Orchid Pavilion Gathering | By Yosa Buson (1716–1783) | Edo period, 1766 | A-1132 | ||||
| Highlight | Cherry Blossoms | By Sakai Hōitsu (1761–1828) | Edo period, 18th–19th century | A-1155-2 | |||
| Highlight | Calligraphy in One Line | By Ike no Taiga (1723–1776) | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Ms. Kuze Tamie, B-3405 |