Exhibition Outlines

In 1996, approximately 900 artworks were donated to our museum from the late Princess Chichibu, and within this exhibition, we will introduce the cultural activity of Prince Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito and Princess Setsuko, through the artworks they cherished among them.

The Prince Chichibu Family was established in 1922 on the occasion of the coming of age ceremony of Prince Yasuhito, born as the second son of Emperor Taisho on June 25, 1902. Prince Yasuhito married Matsudaira Setsuko in 1928, and since then together thcy carried out various activities as members of the Imperial Family. However, within  the period of disorder during the second World War, the Prince contracted tuberculosis, and past away at age 50 in 1955. The Princess continued activity as the head of the Family as well as a member of the Imperial Family. The seal of Prince Yasuhito was a young pine, and that of the Princess was a chrysanthemum. The boxes containing their various artworks bear these seals indicating their owner, showing how the Prince and Princess cherished these items.

Prince Yasuhito is well known to have been fond of sports, but he also showed understanding towards art and literature from a young age, often visiting art exhibitions. Various old and new art works from various countries along with works from Japan, have been inherited from three generations of Emperors, namely Meijii, Taisho and Showa (Prince Yasuhito's elder brother) and his mother Empress Teimei. After the Prince contracted tuberculosis, he began to create ceramics while recuperating at Gotenba. The Princess created paintings and calligraphy herself, and also carefully organized the precious family artworks.

It has been 80 years since the Late Prince Chichibu Family was established, 50 years since the Prince has past away, and 10 years since the Princess has past away. We hope this exhibition is able to show the achievements and personalities of the Prince and Princess Chichibu through the artworks passed down within their Family.