Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

Quails and Millets (detail)
By Tosa Mitsuoki, Edo period, 17th century

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 8
October 15, 2025 (Wed) - November 30, 2025 (Sun)

A thriving economy, foreign trade, and better education invigorated the development of 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.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 2 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Quails and Millets	By Tosa Mitsuoki (1617–1691)	Edo period, 17th century	A-12482
Highlight		Letter	By Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795)	Edo period, 18th century	B-1374-2

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