The Scene Depicted: Commitment to the Realistic Portrayal of Authentic Scenes

Long ago, in Japanese landscape painting, images of famous places often used to emphasize the depiction of those places found in poems. As a result, depicted scenes were different from the reality. However, during the Edo period (1603–1868), from the 18th century in particular, people grew more interested in accurately depicting authentic scenes as society became more stable and transport networks such as highways gradually developed. Artists began depicting scenes based on their own traveling experiences and interests. Composition and painting techniques were influenced by new, stimulating cultures from overseas, such as those of China and Europe, which entered Japan through Nagasaki. This exhibition explores how artists depicted Japanese landscapes after having been exposed to and obtained new outlooks as well as new painting materials and techniques.

Along with Chinese and Korean paintings, the first part of the exhibition features works by artists who maintained a strong sense of admiration for China. In these works, scenes are portrayed realistically as expressions of the artists' own experiences and impressions. The second part shows works by artists who had a strong inclination for authentic scenes, together with printed books and ukiyo-e prints. The scenes in these works are faithfully depicted using methods of perspective and shading, as well as new painting materials and techniques.

This exhibition features a wide range of works, and each piece has its own remarkable, eye-catching appeal in terms of the history of Edo-period painting. It is hoped that visitors will enjoy the rich diversity of Edo-period painting by looking at authentic scenes depicted in numerous ways.