Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
June 30, 2015 (Tue) - August 2, 2015 (Sun)
There are many paintings in which an individual is shown with finely-depicted bronzes, ceramics, or other vessels. But why are such vessels included in these paintings?
Actually, they are meant to reflect the character and inner nature of that individual. For example, someone with elegant bronze vessels spotted with bluish rust is a scholar who has comprehended the realm of ancient sage-kings. Likewise, tasteful writing utensils and ceramics denote a highly-cultured scholar with a refined aesthetic sense. Vessels depicted in paintings are therefore not accurate representations of reality, but rather an important way of expressing ideas.
This thematic exhibition features both paintings and actual vessels. We invite visitors to consider the meaning of vessels depicted in these paintings, the connection between actual vessels and their depictions, as well as the intentions of the painters.