Art Topics

'Wang Xizhi: Master Calligrapher'

Jan 23, 2013

"Wang Xizhi: Master Calligrapher"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Wang Xizhi (303-361) is remembered for his major influence on Chinese calligraphic style. After his death, his works continued to be revered by emperors in China, including Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, who publicly proclaimed a fascination with the calligrapher. Taizong acquired many ...

'Portraits of Destroyed Cities'

Jan 17, 2013

"Portraits of Destroyed Cities"

by Tomohiro Osaki

The 20th century witnessed two world wars, during which many countries suffered what is known as “strategic bombing”: major air raids on cities aimed at destroying the nation’s economic ability and public spirit. Tokyo suffered the Operation Meetinghouse air raid by the U.S military ...

'Manabu Miyazaki:  The Pencil of Nature'

Jan 10, 2013

"Manabu Miyazaki: The Pencil of Nature"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Manabu Miyazaki uses a self-devised system of infrared sensors and robotic cameras to get wild animals to unwittingly take self portraits. The title of the exhibition, “The Pencil of Nature,” takes its name from a publication by the British photography pioneer William Henry Fox ...

'Samurai Dandyism'

Jan 3, 2013

"Samurai Dandyism"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Although Japanese samurai warriors were engaged in daily bloody battles, it didn’t mean that they lacked cultural sophistication and style. Some were poets and calligraphers, and many chose to have their tsuba (sword guards) decorated with intricate metal inlay, known as damascening. Contrary to ...

'Kimono Beauty'

Jan 3, 2013

"Kimono Beauty"

by Tomohiro Osaki

The kimono is one of Japan’s most famous traditions. Recently, it has garnered even more international attention as not only a fashionable garment but also as an art form. This exhibition mainly showcases kimono from the mid-Edo Period (1603-1867) to the beginning of Showa ...