最近、ペットブームが高まっており、犬や猫が日本画に描かれてきた歴史がある。アーティストも愛犬や愛猫をモチーフにした作品を制作している。山種美術館では、犬と猫をテーマにした特別展が開催される。展示される作品には江戸時代から現代までの犬や猫を描いた素晴らしい作品が含まれており、犬好きや猫好きだけでなく、他の動物好きも楽しめる展示となっている。展示会は5月12日から7月7日まで開催される。
In recent years, the pet boom is increasing. Dogs and cats, the most familiar and familiar animals, have been depicted in Japanese paintings since ancient times.
In recent years, there have been many artworks created based on artists’ beloved dogs and cats as motifs.
The special exhibition “Inu Hito? Neko Hito? – From Tawaraya Sotatsu, Takeuchi Seiho, Fujita Tsuguharu to Yamaguchi Akira” held at the Yamatane Museum is an exhibition that gathers masterpieces with dogs and cats as themes. (May 12th to July 7th)
We asked Ms. Takebayashi Sae, a curator at the Yamatane Museum, about the highlights of this exhibition.
“Dogs and cats are the most familiar animals to humans. The Yamatane Museum will showcase masterpieces with dogs and cats as themes. Adorable dogs and cats are looking forward to your visit!”
The first chapter is about magnificent dogs.
From the Edo period to the present day, a wide range of magnificent works depicting dogs will be introduced.
During the early Edo period when interactions with Europe became active from the Momoyama period (late 16th to early 17th century), Western dogs were highly valued in Japan. This artwork depicts a dog with features similar to a dachshund. This is the first time this artwork will be publicly displayed.
This adorable artwork depicts 9 playful puppies. Puppies were a popular painting theme mastered by Maruyama Okyo, Ashiue’s mentor. While following Okyo’s depiction of puppies, Ashiue portrays the puppies in a charming and natural way.
Since modern times, there have been painters who painted their beloved dogs. Kawabata Tatsuko, known as a dog lover, created many artworks based on his beloved dog. This artwork depicts his dog Muk playing in the garden. After finishing work, just before night fell, he played with the dog and caught fleas.
The second chapter is about cute cats.
Here, a large collection of cute cats from the Edo period to the present day will be showcased.
When it comes to cat lovers in the Edo period, Utagawa Kuniyoshi stands out. He always kept 5 to 6 cats and sometimes put a kitten in his pocket when painting. This photograph series combines the ending “-tai” of words and poses that match the meanings or specialties of the places. In this particular piece, the rough tongue of the cat licks the face of a woman, who, while saying “ouch,” gazes at the cat with affection.
“Ban Cat” (Important Cultural Property) is the representative work of Takeuchi Seiho, who led the Kyoto modern art scene. Seiho saw a cat at a marsh in Numazu during a trip and was reminded of the cat paintings of Emperor Huizong, which sparked his creative enthusiasm. He took the cat home, repeated photography and drawing, and completed this work. The fleeting expressions and gestures of the cats are beautifully portrayed. The graceful movements unique to cats and the soft texture of cat fur drawn with ink, chalk, and gold clay make you want to touch it. After finishing his work, when Seiho looked away, the cat had disappeared.
Additionally, excellent flower and bird paintings will be displayed as a special exhibition. Birds, along with dogs and cats, were objects of affection for painters.
Whether you love dogs, cats, or other animals, this exhibition is enjoyable for everyone. We look forward to your visit!
There are plenty of articles to enjoy even if you’re not a dog or cat lover. Take them to that place!
[Event Details]
Special Exhibition “Are You a Dog Lover? Cat People? – From Tawaraya Sotatsu, Takeuchi Seiho, Fujita Tsuguharu to Yamaguchi Akira -“
Date: May 12, 2024 (Sun) – July 7, 2024 (Sun)
First Half: May 12, 2024 (Sun) – June 9, 2024 (Sun) Second Half: June 11, 2024 (Tue) – July 7, 2024 (Sun)
Exhibited items are subject to change during the exhibition period.
Location: Yamatane Museum
Address: 3-12-36 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial reception hours 9:00-20:00)
Official website: https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/
Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)
Closed on Mondays
Price: Refer to the official website
Access: Refer to the official website
Reporting and text by Mie Ikeda