TOKYO - Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558–1637) created groundbreaking works of art in a variety of genres during a time of warfare and political turmoil in Japan. These artworks had a tremendous impact on Japanese culture for generations to come. However, Kōetsu’s oeuvre is as profound as a vast cosmos, making it difficult to comprehend in its entirety.

To better understand the context that drove Kōetsu’s artistic genius, this exhibition examines a social group known as the hokke machishū — townspeople who followed the Lotus Sutra, a Buddhist text also devoutly worshipped by Kōetsu and his family. This social group is the thread that connects Kōetsu’s psychological realm — as expressed through his ceramic art and calligraphy — with the creative activities of contemporaneous artisans who were united by a common faith. These artisans produced a variety of art objects in response to the society they lived in, including lacquerware lavishly decorated with gold. This exhibition aims for a comprehensive examination of Kōetsu by juxtaposing the latest art historical research with insights into the religious beliefs of the time.

As stated in a record known as the Hon’ami Gyōjōki, Kōetsu was known as an “eccentric” who “throughout his life, hated to follow others.” Driven by a firmly grounded aesthetic sense supported by unwavering religious faith, Kōetsu produced numerous masterpieces. How do these treasures appear to us in the present day? The exhibition explores this very question.

 Jan 16, 2024 - Mar 10, 2024

Hon'ami Koetsu, Writing Box with a Pontoon Bridge, 17th century. Tokyo National Museum.

Hon’ami Kōetsu and Tawaraya Sōtatsu, Poems by the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets over Paintings of Cranes Calligraphy, 17th century. Kyoto National Museum.

Hon’ami Kōetsu, Early Winter Rain, 17th century. Nagoya City Museum, Aichi.

Attr. Hon’ami Kōho, Hon’ami Kōetsu, 17th century. Tokyo National Museum