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Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

Waka Poems (detail),
By Konoe Nobutada (1565–1614), Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century

Upcoming
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 18
July 14, 2026 (Tue) - August 30, 2026 (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 6 results

	Designation	Name		Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
		Oxen		By Mori Tetsuzan (1775–1841)	Edo period, 19th century	A-268
Highlight		Eels		By Hayashi Jikkō (1778–1813)	Edo period, 19th century	A-12100
		Album of Insects and Other Creatures: Spring		By Mashiyama Sessai (1754–1819)	Edo period, 19th century	A-10085-1
		Album of Insects and Other Creatures: Winter		By Mashiyama Sessai (1754–1819)	Edo period, 19th century	A-10085-4
Highlight		Waka Poems		By Konoe Nobutada (1565–1614)	Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century	B-3523
Highlight		Waka Poems		By Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558–1637)	Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century	B-2925

Exhibitions