Exhibition Outlines

Empress Kojun studied Nihonga (Japanese painting) under Nihonga painters such as Takatori Wakanari (1867-1935), Kawai Gyokudo (1873-1957), and Maeda Seison (1885-1977), and has created many paintings. She learned basic Yamatoe techniques from Takatori Wakanari especially since she was a member of the late Prince Kuni family (Kuninomiya) before she joined the Imperial family. She studied under Kawai Gyokudo since the 1940’s, from whom she learned much about depiction of nature. From 1959, she widened her variety of paintings according to Maeda Seison’s frank opinions. Many people remark that Empress Kojun’s paintings naturally show dignity and benevolence. Furthermore, the warmth and charm which can be seen in many of her paintings show how much she enjoyed painting.

In this exhibition, along with Empress Kojun’s paintings, we will exhibit the paintings by the masters she studied under which she kept close by, and also introduce about her intimacy with other master painters. We hope our visitors can perceive a part of the warm exchange between Empress Kojun and the masters, and also how she enjoyed painting.