Okada Museum of Art is hosting the special exhibition "The SAMURAI — The World of the Samurai and Beauty —" from Saturday, October 2, 2021, to Sunday, February 27, 2022.

This exhibition showcases approximately 30 works, focusing on "Paintings of Samurai" depicting the legendary heroes of the Minamoto clan like Yoritomo and Yoshitsune, the dignified attendance of various feudal lords, and scenes of vigorous horse festivals and brutal battles. It also includes "Paintings by Samurai-Class Artists" such as Kazan Watanabe and Hiroshige Utagawa (Ando), alongside paintings and crafts themed around the samurai class.

The exhibition is held at the Okada Museum of Art, located in Hakone, Kanagawa, a region deeply connected to samurai history.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to witness the dramas of the Minamoto warriors and their retainers unfolding across Japan, from Tohoku to Shikoku, through these artworks. Masterpieces such as the "Battle of Heiji Screen," which lavishly depicts the rise and fall of the Taira and Minamoto clans, and Hokusai Katsushika's "Yoshitsune and Shizuka Gozen at Horikawa," portraying Yoshitsune, Shizuka Gozen, and Benkei Musashibo, are on display.

The role of the samurai underwent a significant transformation from the "Age of War" before the Sengoku period to the "Era of Peace" during the Edo period.

Works like the "Battle Screen," depicting scenes of combat with flying blood, and "Fragment of the Tale of Horie Picture Scroll" by Matahei Iwasa, who became a painter after surviving the warring states period, symbolize the "Age of War."

On the other hand, works such as the "Nijo Castle Imperial Procession Screen," depicting the attendance of feudal lords like the Tokugawa Three Houses and Masamune Date at an imperial procession, and the "Soma Nomaoi Screen," illustrating the Soma Nomaoi horse-racing festival, convey the image of samurai who supported the "Era of Peace."

Furthermore, the exhibition features works by artists who, while serving as samurai, also demonstrated their artistic talents, including Kazan Watanabe's representative work "Insect and Bird Album" (Important Cultural Property), which he diligently created alongside his duties, and "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō" by ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige Utagawa (Ando).

Additionally, as a special feature, approximately 31 pieces of Chinese celadon, including two pieces being exhibited for the first time, are displayed together.

This exhibition offers a chance to experience the world of SAMURAI from various perspectives. During the exhibition period, from late October to mid-November, visitors can also enjoy the autumn foliage in the museum's gardens. Why not immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings of Hakone while appreciating the beauty of Japan's SAMURAI?

The SAMURAI — The World of the Samurai and Beauty —
Exhibition Dates | Until Sunday, February 27, 2022
*Closed on Friday, December 31, 2021, and Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Organizer | Okada Museum of Art
Location | 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Admission Fees | Adults and University Students ¥2,800 (¥2,550) | Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students ¥1,800 (¥1,550)
*Prices in parentheses are for advance tickets. Advance tickets (JTB Leisure Ticket, Ticket Pia) are available at major convenience stores and Ticket Pia.
*Garden admission is free due to partial closure of the garden.

Okada Museum of Art
https://www.okada-museum.com/