This is the place to see masterpieces of Japanese nihonga painting, from venerable to contemporary. Their collection of works painted with powdered gemstones is first-rate, and they curate shows that are both enlightening and enjoyable. Visit in March and April for their annual show of cherry blossom-themed works.
What makes this art museum so only-in-Japan is its focus on nihonga painting—the Japanese art of painting with ground-up precious stones on washi paper or silk. This technique has been used for centuries, and because mineral pigments suspended in animal glue never degrade, paintings from the eleventh century still wow as brilliantly as if they were painted yesterday.
The collection at the Yamatane includes everything from historically significant National Cultural Property paintings…
to exquisite contemporary works…
They often depict the four seasons, but the styes vary from a subtle palette of colors painted on the gold or silver leaf backgrounds popular in the Edo Period…
to impressionistic murals that wow with their brilliant hues.
And the subject matter spans from scenes of rural life…
to crowded villages…
to life in the Floating World…
But what they all share is a very Japanese view of life in Japan, painted in a unique technique you won’t see anywhere else.
For a deeper dive into how nihonga paintings are made, come with me to visit the studio of famous modern day nihonga artist Allen West
In case you’re wondering how that one he’s working on turned out…
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Yamatane Museum
Open: Every day except closed Mondays and during exhibition installation
Check the website before you go
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Admission: Varies by exhibition (check website for details)
Check the current and future exhibitions on the Yamatane Museum website
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And here are the other places I take my friends when they come to town
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 