[Report] Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative Special Exhibition "Japan, Crucible of Beauty" - Tsubaki's Favorite Masterpieces
Hello, I'm Tsubaki, a history-loving writer.
I recently visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative Special Exhibition "Japan, Crucible of Beauty" currently being held at the Kyoto National Museum! (Exhibition period: until June 15, 2025)
This exhibition is a valuable special event featuring a collection of approximately 200 masterpieces of Japanese art born from the exchange of art and culture from all times and places. With a rich lineup including 19 National Treasures and 53 Important Cultural Properties, it is truly an exhibition packed with the essence of Japanese art!
・Exhibition Overview
・Two works from the exhibition that particularly captured my heart
I will introduce the above.
■ Exhibition Overview
Exhibition Name: Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative Special Exhibition "Japan, Crucible of Beauty: Traces of Cross-Cultural Exchange"
Exhibition Period: April 19 (Sat) – June 15 (Sun), 2025
Venue: Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:30 (Last admission at 17:00) / Extended until 20:00 on Fridays
Closed: Mondays
Admission Fee: General 2,000 yen (See official website for details)
Official Website: rutsubo2025.jp
■ Exhibition Highlights
Introduces how Japanese art intersected with overseas cultures and built its own unique beauty from the Yayoi period to the Meiji era, organized by period and theme.
Features iconic Japanese masterpieces such as Tawaraya Sotatsu's National Treasure "Wind God and Thunder God Screens," Katsushika Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," and "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."
In "Beauty of Fusion," crafts and armor incorporating foreign influences such as Nanban culture are also on display.
Exhibits will be rotated (First term: until May 18, Second term: from May 20).
■ Tsubaki's "Favorite" Work Introduction
"Kibi Daijin Nitō Emaki" (The Tale of Minister Kibi's Journey to China) — A story of a battle of wits and friendship in a foreign land
First, I would like to introduce the "Kibi Daijin Nitō Emaki." This picture scroll was passed down in the Sakai family of Wakasa Province, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston purchased the original in 1932.
The story follows the envoy to Tang China, Kibi no Makibi, who is challenged by the Tang imperial court with numerous difficult tasks and tested on his wisdom and skills. The one who saves him from this predicament is, surprisingly, a demon that is the spirit of Abe no Nakamaro
! It is a scroll that is both fantastical and humorous, depicting wisdom and friendship in a uniquely Japanese way.
At a time when there was anti-Japanese sentiment in America, this work unexpectedly captured the hearts of many Americans and received great praise.
Art transcends borders, it was a masterpiece that made me feel that kind of power.
"Haniwa: Man Carrying a Hoe" — Farmer? Commander? A mysterious presence
The next thing that pierced my heart was the "Haniwa: Man Carrying a Hoe."
It is a half-body haniwa figure said to have been excavated in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, dating back to the 6th century in the Kofun period.
This male figure wears a hat over his mizura hairstyle and holds a hoe in his right hand. He looks like a farmer, but he is wearing a 'kofuku' (foreign-style clothing), which was the attire of the upper class at the time, and even has a sword at his waist.
There is actually a theory that he might be a middle-class figure who supervised farm work.
That indescribable appearance and design really hit the spot for me, so I immediately decided to buy a 1,600 yen miniature figure!
I have it displayed on my desk and look at it with a grin every day (laughs).
■ About the Audio Guide
Navigator: Ai Tominaga
Rental Guide Device: 650 yen (tax included)
App version "Listening to Art": 800 yen (tax included), also available on smartphones
→ You can listen to it outside the exhibition venue, so it's also great for review
■ Summary
This special exhibition, "Japan, Crucible of Beauty," is a gem of an exhibition where you can deeply appreciate how Japanese culture has been influenced from the outside and sublimated into a unique aesthetic sense.
It is the best place for both art lovers and history buffs to experience the "evolution of beauty" in Japan!
Please come and visit to enjoy a journey of beauty that transcends time.
Image Credits
Asahi Shimbun "Kyoto National Museum, Yukiko Ishida" Accessed May 2, 2025