Japan’s renowned MihoMuseum will hold its autumn exhibition comprising of some 250 works, from September 2 to December 14.
Entitled “Yamato magnificence:Kawabata Yasunari and Yasuda Yukihiko”, the exhibition looks at the 24 year exchange between author (Kawabata) and painter (Yasuda) and the works of art they cherished.
Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972),the first Japanese to win a Nobel Prize,wrote many masterworks beginning with Snow Country (Yukiguni), whileYasuda Yukihiko (1884-1978) established historic neoclassical painting in Japan and created a stunning world of elegance.
Although in different fields, both men were highly influenced by the life and works of the Zen priest Ryokan (1758-1831). Yasuda, one of the foremost scholars of Ryokan, devoted his life to the study of this cleric, while Kawabata referred to Ryokan in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in Literature, making the spirituality of this early modern priest known to the world.Many calligraphic works by Ryokan will also be on display during the exhibition. The pure spirit that inspired the works of art will deeply impress those who see this exhibit.
About the MihoMuseum
Designed by world renowned architect I.M. Pei, the MihoMuseum is nestled at the edge of the beautiful PeachBlossomValley in ShigaPrefecture near Kyoto and offers views of the surrounding mountains and the beech and maple trees covering them. The MihoMuseum has special spring, summer and autumn exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection display. Also, designed by I.M. Pei and located near the museum, is the ‘Joy of Angels’ bell tower. Modelled in the shape of a shamisen plectrum, the monument is 59 metres high and contains 50 bells. A peaceful melody is played at the bell tower three times daily.
On the same site are a group of stone sculptures representing heaven's gate designed by modernist Japanese sculptor Nagare Masayuki, a Japanese moss garden, and a plum garden. Usually not open to the public, the sculptures and gardens can be visited on selected days on tours arranged through the MihoMuseum.
