"Irises" screens by Ogata Korin displayed at a special exhibition commemorating the Nezu Museum's 85th anniversary. (©Japan Forward/ Yukihiro Watanabe)
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At Nezu Museum in Omotesando, Tokyo, the exhibition "The Korin School: The Irises and Ogata Korin's Followers" is running through May 10. Every year around this time, the museum displays Ogata Korin's Irises screens, a Japanese national treasure. Please note that photography is prohibited inside the exhibition hall during the exhibition period.
This year's highlight is the display of a lesser-known set of screens by Korin's disciple, Watanabe Shiko, lent by the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Watanabe's work is displayed side by side with Korin's in the museum's longest display case, creating a truly impressive sight.
While both feature irises on a gold background, the painting styles, expressions, and overall compositions of the two artists are quite different. Each is a magnificent piece of work, and it's unlikely that they will ever be seen together again.
American art lovers who saw the screens in Cleveland will surely be surprised to see this parallel exhibition at the Nezu Museum. The fact that two different Irises screen paintings are held in Japan and the United States is a wonderful example of artistic exchange between the two countries.
Seasonal Beauty Beyond the Gallery
Walking through the gardens adjacent to the museum, one is struck by the tranquility, wondering if they are truly in Tokyo. During this season, real irises also bloom in the pond. The Nezu Museum has begun showing them on its website and social media.
Enjoying seasonal flowers—not just cherry blossoms—is one way Japanese people appreciate everyday life. Experiencing the seasons not only through real flowers but also through those depicted in art and crafts is something truly special, and worth trying at various locations across Japan.
To ensure smooth entry, online reservations through the museum's website are strongly recommended.
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Author: Yukihiro Watanabe
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