In reaction to the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840), the Pre-Raphaelites embarked on a second phase — the Aesthetic Movement headed by avant-garde artists who believed that beauty, rather than the sociopolitical, should be the objective of art. This led to the popularity of decorative art, the innovative use of the art and design for functional objects.
This exhibition, which is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, includes approximately 150 paintings on loan from major museums in Britain as well as drawings, furniture, crafts and jewelry; Jan. 30-May 6.
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum; 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Nijubashimae Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri. except holidays till 8 p.m.). ¥1,600. Closed Mon. 03-5777-8600; mimt.jp/beautiful