Yoshihiko Yoshida (1912-2001), nihonga (Japanese painting) artist and professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, was inspired by the importance of learning from ancient masterpieces, as was taught to him by the nihonga painter Gyoshu Hayami (1894-1935). He later joined a group of artists to replicate the murals of Horyu-ji Temple's Kondo main hall, in Nara Prefecture, as part of the temple's restoration project. Isao Hayashi (1946-2000) studied under Yoshida and later became the frontrunner of ancient-painting researchers.
These two painters not only focused on their predecessors, they also assimilated what they learned into their own creations: Yoshida often used gold leaf to depict mellow light, and Hayashi reproduced traditional-style silk canvases. This exhibition presents around 45 works by both the artists; till June 19.
Menard Art Museum, (0568) 75-5787; 5-250 Komaki City, Komaki, Aichi; 15-min. walk from Komaki Station (West Exit), Meitetsu Komaki Line. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥900. Closed Mon. museum.menard.co.jp.