Exhibition of Masterpieces: "Gorgeous and Robust: Decorative Elements in the Works of Kawabata Ryushi" Co-hosted with: Exhibition of Hiramatsu Reiji's Works from the Collection of Yugawara Museum of Art

"The phrase that guides Seiryusha is to march towards robust art, in contrast to the delicate and sophisticated works of today."

　When Japanese painter Kawabata Ryushi (1885-1966) founded his own art group, Seiryusha, in 1929, he proclaimed the motto "art of strength and courage." Under this slogan, Ryushi continued to direct young Japanese painters at Seiryusha for over 30 years. His artworks, which symbolize "strength and courage," are centered around large-scale works, such as "Goji Itten" (1927), which stands over 3.5 meters tall.
　On the other hand, Ryushi also created gorgeous, decorative works that use gold and other vibrant colors, a style that has been cultivated in Japanese art, such as Grass Seeds (1931) and Ryushi Fence (1961). This exhibition explores Ryushi's artistic perspective through the themes of "gorgeousness" and "strength" that can be found in his works.

An exhibition of works by Reiji Hiramatsu from the collection of the Yugawara Museum of Art will be held at the same time.

　Japanese painter Reiji Hiramatsu (1941-) attracted attention both in Japan and overseas with his 1999 exhibition "A Journey to Impressionism and Japonism," and in recent years has held exhibitions such as "Water Lily Pond: Homage to Monet" (2013) and "Reiji Hiramatsu - Water Lily Symphony" (2024) at the Giverny Impressionist Museum in France. He has also provided works to decorate the interior of the cruise ship "Asuka III" operated by NYK Cruises Co., Ltd.
　The illustrious Hiramatsu was a member of Seiryusha, the company formerly headed by Ryushi. In 1960, when he was 19 years old, his work Abandoned Ship was selected for the 32nd Seiryusha Exhibition, and in 1962 he was recommended by the company's members, and he studied under Ryushi until Seiryusha dissolved in 1966. In 2006, the Hiramatsu Reiji Museum opened at the Yugawara Municipal Museum of Art, with Hiramatsu serving as its honorary director.
　In conjunction with the Kawabata Ryushi exhibition "Ryushi's Impact" (held February 6th - April 6th) at the Yugawara Museum of Art, the Ryushi Memorial Museum will be holding an exhibition of works by Hiramatsu Reiji as an exchange of works from the museum's collection. Please enjoy his decorative and dazzling works, including "Cherry Blossoms Falling - Japan."

Related event

〇 Chatting viewing session (interactive program)
Dates: Monday, December 30nd, Monday, January 20th, Monday, February 25th, starting at 5:00 PM each day
Cooperation: Ota Ward Social Welfare Council
Venue: Ryushi Memorial Museum Exhibition Room
Capacity: Approximately 10 people (first come, first served). Applications will be closed once capacity is reached.
Admission: Free
To apply: Please email the address below or call us (03-3772-0680) and let us know your participation date, name, phone number, and age.

Regional Collaboration Lecture: "Japanese Painter Reiji Hiramatsu Discusses Kawabata Ryushi as a Master"
Date and time: Sunday, December 5st, 17: 13-30: 15
Venue: Ota Cultural Forest Assembly Rooms 3 and 4
Capacity: 70 people (if capacity is exceeded, a lottery will be held)
Deadline: August 4th (Tuesday)
Lecturer: Takuya Kimura, Chief Curator, Ota City Ryushi Memorial Museum
Starring: Reiji Hiramatsu (Japanese painter)
Click here to apply

〇Regional collaboration project "Fragrant Breeze Art Museum Concert"
Date: Sunday, January 2026, 5, 24:18-30:19
Venue: Ryushi Memorial Museum Exhibition Room
Featuring: Triton String Quartet (planned by Omori Chamber Music Club)
Capacity: 50 people (if capacity is exceeded, a lottery will be held)
Deadline: Must arrive by Friday, March 5
Click here to apply

28th February 2026(Saturday) - 7th May (Sunday)

Schedule	9: 00-16: 30 (Admission until 16:00)
Venue	Ryushi Memorial Museum
Genre	Exhibitions / Events

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