Oil Paintings by Asai Chu: The Takano Collection

Originally acquired by entrepreneur Takano Tokiji, the Takano Collection comprises a total of 11 oil paintings, 56 watercolors and sketches, and 6 hanging scrolls by Asai Chu, a Western-style painter active during the Meiji era. The majority of works in this collection were produced during Asai's stay in Europe while aged in his mid-forties, and display a mature skill. The 73-piece collection was donated to the museum by Mr. Takano's family in 1985, in accordance with his will.

Mr. Takano had aspired to be a painter in his youth, and even after entering the world of business he made continuous efforts to collect the works of Asai, whom he had long admired. This collection, which Mr. Takano began in his late twenties and spent close to fifty years accumulating, speaks eloquently of Mr. Takano's passion and enthusiasm.

This year's exhibition features six oil paintings by Asai, including Japanese landscapes painted before he traveled to Europe, together with his works at Grez-sur-Loing. These works demonstrate how Asai developed his painting style before and after his studies in Europe.