Two Concurrent Exhibitions Courtly Elegance / The Splendor of Tadashi Moriya’s Historical Paintings

Overview

We will simultaneously hold the following two exhibitions as our 2026 Spring Exhibition.

◆【Main Building 2F】　《Hatakeyama Collection》
Courtly Elegance: Ancient Calligraphy, Rinpa, and Scenes of the Tea Ceremony

◆【Annex 2F＆B1F】　
The Splendor of Tadashi Moriya’s Historical Paintings: Dreams of Dynastic Traditions and East-West Encounters

◇ Courtly Elegance: Ancient Calligraphy, Rinpa, and Scenes of the Tea Ceremony
The elegant and refined “court culture” once cultivated by Kyoto's aristocrats. Its delicate aesthetic sensibility has transcended time to become the source of Japanese sensibility.
This exhibition presents a carefully selected collection of masterpieces related to court culture from the treasured belongings of our museum's founder, Issey HATAKEYAMA (using the name “Sokuō” for his artistic endeavors, 1881–1971). The elegant ancient calligraphy that conveys the atmosphere of the Heian period, paintings that vividly depict the worlds of tales, and the intricate maki-e lacquerwork that reflects the scenes of waka poetry. These inspired later generations of tea masters, were passed down into the world of the tea ceremony, and were uniquely applied. 
We hope visitors would lose track of time and savor the ultimate elegance in the tranquil space embraced by the rich nature of Shirokanedai.

◇The Splendor of Tadashi Moriya’s Historical Paintings: Dreams of Dynastic Traditions and East-West Encounters
A retrospective exhibition of the works of Tadashi Moriya (1912–2003), the distinctive Japanese painter who designed costumes for the film “Rashomon” and contributed to its winning the Venice International Film Festival award, will be held in eastern Japan for the first time in 30 years.
Moriya, a direct disciple of the master historical painter Seison Maeda, deeply absorbed classical art and the cultures of East and West through experiences including studying in Italy and serving as chief supervisor for the reproduction of the Mural-painting in the tumulus Takamatsu-zuka.
This exhibition focuses on two themes: “Courtly Culture,” which gained prominence after Seison's death as a groundbreaking style, and “East-West Cultural Exchange,” depicting figures from turbulent eras. Centered on his Inten Exhibition works—which blend rigorous historical research with modern interpretations—it brings together approximately 100 pieces, including previously unseen works and archival materials.
It looks back on Moriya's life and splendid artistic world, exploring new expressions of “historical painting” in the modern and contemporary eras up to the Heisei period. While inheriting the direct tradition of Seison, he also absorbed influences from Western art.

Organized by Ebara Hatakeyama Museum of Art
Cooperating Organizations: Ogaki City, Ogaki City Board of Education

Click here for the Ticket Purchase page