UTAGAWA KUNISADA (known as Toyokuni III) Kinemon OKANO as Shinsha ICHIKAWA. Woodblock print.
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (known as Toyokuni III) Magokurou MASE. Woodblock print.
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (known as Toyokuni III) Gengo OHTAKA as Gonjurou KAWARAZAKI. Woodblock print.
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (known as Toyokuni III) Yasubei HORIBE. Woodblock print.
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (known as Toyokuni III) Han-nojou SUGAYA. Woodblock print.
UTAGAWA KUNISADA (known as Toyokuni III) Takasada SHIOYA. Woodblock print.
Miyabi
Japanese Masterworks from Dunedin Collections
24 September 2005 - 20 March 2006
Miyabi: Japanese Masterworks from Dunedin Collections has been curated for the Dunedin Public Art Gallery by Shuzo Tsuchiya, Director of the Otaru Museum, to mark the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Dunedin and Otaru.
The exhibition draws on treasures from the collections of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Olveston and the Otago Museum. Also included, on loan from the Otaru Museum, is the Chushingura series of 19th-century woodblock prints by the great artist Utagawa Kunisada (also called Toyokuni III).
The exhibition is arranged in five sections, each of which is summed up in a single written character.
“雅” MIYABI [The image character for the whole exhibition] This symbolizes the spiritual culture of Japan which has combined grace and modesty in a fascination.
“武” BU [The image character for the room of Japanese sword, spear and others] This is the courteous strength. The spirit of the samurai has something in common with the chivalry in Medieval Europe.
“炎” HONO [The image character for the room of pottery material] This is fire flaring up intensively. It also represents getting passionate about something or passionate feeling.
“忠” CHU [The image character for the room of Seichu gishi-den] This is bestowing your devotion on your boss fairly, with all your heart and soul. It represents the spirit of Japanese Bushi-do.
“美” BI [The image character for the room of Ukiyo-e at DPAG]This is being over with beauty, joy and delight.
“藝” GEI [The image character for the room of netsuke, inro, ivory work and so forth] This represents the advanced technology of Japanese artisans who have extremely delicate and good-quality technique.
This exhibition has been supported by Museums Aotearoa and Asia NZ Foundation