Picture Books of Kawanabe Kyosai

Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831-1889) created many ukiyo-e prints from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period, having also received training in the Kano school of Japanese painting. Recently, his works have attracted attention, and exhibitions of both his paintings and prints have been held at museums all over Japan. However, his “picture books,” which are compilations of his paintings into a single book, have received little attention. This exhibition reveals the artistic world of Kyōsai, known as the “Painting Demon” thorough presenting large number of his picture books, which depict people, animals, and monsters with lively brush strokes.

Above and beyond “Hokusai Manga”? The fascinating world of Kyōsai’s Picture Books

Kyōsai published a number of picture books, including “Kyōsai Manga,” “Kyōsai Donga” (Foolish Pictures), and “Kyōsai Suiga” (Drunken Pictures), with vibrant brush strokes that surpass those of “Hokusai Manga” by Katsushika Hokusai. Although there were many exhibitions of Kawanabe Kyōsai, only a portion of his picture books have been shown due to the difficulty of displaying works in book form. By featuring his picture books, this exhibition will delve deeper into the fascinating world of Kyōsai.

Exceeding 420 pages!　The Inexhaustible Imagination of Kyōsai

This exhibition will feature Kyōsai’s major picture books, including “Kyōsai Manga,” “Kyōsai Donga (Foolish Pictures),” “Kyōsai Suiga (Drunken Pictures),” and “Kyōsai Hyakki Gadan”. The total number of the picture books on display in this exhibition exceeds 420 pages. You will be overwhelmed by the never-ending power and imagination of Kyōsai. (*The works in the exhibit will be completely replaced half-way through the exhibition).

People, Animals, and Monsters: The overwhelming energy of miniscule drawings

Kyōsai’s picture books are notable for their lively depiction of people, animals and monsters as if they are dancing. His picture books are no larger than 21 x 14.8 cm, and some of his picture books, such as “Chikusa no Takara” (Treasures of Chikusa), are as miniscule as 9.5 x 13 cm. Note the vibrant expressions of people, animals, and monsters depicted at such a small scale.

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Admission

Adult	800 yen
University and High school students	600 yen
Junior High School Students and below	Free

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