Feb. 14-April 8
When the Tokugawa Shogunate was established in the early 17th century, a new trend in aesthetics emerged during Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Empress Meisho’s reign of the Kan’ei era (1624-1644).
Known as Kan’ei Culture, the trend highlighted the importance of elegance in beauty, focusing on simplicity, refined design and a revival and reverence for traditional rituals, ancient art and classic literature.
This “essence of elegance” flourished in the Imperial court and continued to thrive through works by artists and aristocrats, including poet and painter Kobori Enshu, ceramist Nonomura Ninsei and painter Kano Tan’yu.
Suntory Museum of Art; Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Roppongi Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.). ¥1,300. Closed Tue. 03-3479-8600; www.suntory.com/sma
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.