Special Exhibition

Katayama Nanpu, Real-life Scroll of the Great Earthquake, and His Contemporary Painters Taikan, Gyokudo, Seison, Hoshun

July 19-November 5,2023

This year 2023 marks the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake and in recognition our exhibition focuses on The Real-life Scroll of the Great Earthquake by Katayama Nanpu (1887-1980). The earthquake prompted Nanpu to repeatedly visit the densely-populated centers of Ueno and Asakusa from his home in Sugamo, a traditional residential area. He documented both its damages and the subsequent reconstruction in 31 paintings, compiled in three volumes. His realistic depiction conveys the suffering and grief of those affected, as well as their efforts to help one another.

Twelve paintings by Nanpu’s contemporaries will also be on view for the first time. The first part of the exhibition through September 10^th features landscapes of Japan by Nanpu’s teacher Yokoyama Taikan, Kawai Gyokudo, Munakata Shiko and Yamada Shingo, while the second part from September 13^th highlights artworks of people, plants and animals by Takeuchi Seiho, Kaburaki Kiyokata, Kosugi Hoan, Maeda Seison and Yamaguchi Hoshun.