Tanomura Chikuden Exhibition

Marking 180 years since the death of Edo-era artist Tanomura Chikuden (1777-1835), the Idemitsu Museum looks back at the life and work of this diversely talented painter, who also tried his hand at calligraphy and poetry. A representative of the bunjin-ga ('literati painting') school that drew inspiration from traditional Chinese styles, themes and philosophy, Chikuden attempted to maintain traditional ideals and classical culture during the upheavals of the late Edo period, employing a melancholic style in his depictions of landscapes, animals and flowers. This exhibit presents some of his finest work, complete with detailed explanations of the pieces (mainly in Japanese, though).