Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Rooms T1 & T2
January 2, 2016 (Sat) - January 31, 2016 (Sun)
We wish all visitors a Happy New Year for 2016, the year of the monkey! In the past, the people of Japan made countless artworks portraying monkeys, who, of course, bear a close resemblance to humans. These artworks reflect the different ways in which people saw these creatures and feature a rich variety of artistic expression.
This exhibition explores the different ways in which monkeys were depicted, showcasing artworks based on themes such as "adorable monkeys," "troops of monkeys," "personified monkeys," and even "monkey fur." The diversity is truly surprising, with adorable combinations of baby and parent monkeys, lively troops, fur depicted with incredibly fine brushstrokes, and monkeys portrayed as messengers of the gods and as creatures illustrating moral lessons. Moreover, skillful and imaginative works such as sword guards toggles shaped like troops of monkeys show us just how familiar of a motif the monkey became in Japanese art.
Take some time to enjoy this "Monkey Paradise," which was created through the age-long interactions of these creatures and humans.