"Few paintings of the period capture the force, confusion, and terror of battle as effectively as does the episode of the burning of the Sanjō Palace in the Heiji monogatari emaki." - The Encyclopaedia Britannica One night in January 1160, a band of 500 men stormed the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa's palace at Sanjō, took the former emperor captive, killed most of his staff … [Read more...] about The Heiji Monogatari Emaki – Interactive Scroll Now Online
Art
Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Last month Mewby and I went down to Nara and took in the Kojiki exhibition currently ongoing at Nara Prefectural Art Museum. I would happily recommend the exhibition as a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of every aspect of Japan's oldest book. Whether, you are interested in the deepest roots of Japanese culture, ancient mythology and the glorious art it has inspired, … [Read more...] about Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Takeuchi Seihō – Japan’s most important modern Japanese-style painter
Takeuchi Seihō (竹内 栖鳳 - his real name was Takeuchi Tsunekichi) lived from December 20, 1864 - August 23, 1942. He was an early master of nihonga art, and prior to World War II led a notable circle of painters in Kyoto. His former residence in Higashiyama still stands as The Sodoh - now a restaurant and event space. Ian Ropke writes, During Takeuchi’s early youth his … [Read more...] about Takeuchi Seihō – Japan’s most important modern Japanese-style painter
“Tone Poems” Exhibition: Joel Stewart’s Continuing Artistic Odyssey
A special review today by our good friend Richard Donovan Taking photos in Joel Stewart’s painting studio in North Kyoto, I struggle to contain his upcoming exhibition’s signature artwork, Odyssey, within the frame. A horizontal painting comprised of six separate 40-centimeter-square images painted on both paper and canvas, all mounted onto wooden panels and joined together. … [Read more...] about “Tone Poems” Exhibition: Joel Stewart’s Continuing Artistic Odyssey
Capturing Light ~ The Art of Sarah Brayer
The artist Sarah Brayer has a show in Kyoto at the end of this week that promises to be quite exciting. Those familiar with Sarah's work, know that while consistent in its grace and beauty, over the years it is has also undergone a remarkable series of transformations in both media and styles. Already known internationally for her poured washi paperworks and aquatint prints, … [Read more...] about Capturing Light ~ The Art of Sarah Brayer
Two Views from Yasaka Shrine
Here are two views from Yasaka Shrine separated by time. Both images give us a "bronze lion's eye view" down Shijo as seen from the entrance to Yasaka Shrine. The first is a recent image painted by my hopelessly romantic friend Ichsan. Do please visit his Facebook page to see more of his wonderful paintings. This is the image of Gion with which we are familiar today. And … [Read more...] about Two Views from Yasaka Shrine
Yet Another Gorgeous Day in Kyoto
Cities of Green Leaves 青葉の都市 - Ginko no Kukai Last Saturday I joined the Hailstone Haiku Circle's latest ginko no kukai; an international poetry and nature walk being held across the world in solidarity with the city of Sendai. The event was planned to coincide with Sendai's Aoba Matsuri or Green Leaf Festival. This festival with its parade and famous sparrow dance is held … [Read more...] about Yet Another Gorgeous Day in Kyoto
The Artist Brian Williams
Last week I visited the artist Brian Williams at his studio, sat down for a chat and had a sneak preview of his upcoming exhibition at Kiyomizu Temple. Brian is due to have a special one night exhibit of his parabolic paintings this Saturday evening (May 14th) - the first time ever in 1200 years that any art has been exhibited on the famous Kiyomizu balcony. Brian is famous … [Read more...] about The Artist Brian Williams
The Legend of UrBANGUILD
Let me tell you a story, about a place called UrBANGUILD... It's a kind of fairytale, but that doesn't mean it isn't true. And it all began in another place. A place that I like to call cafe underpants. Once upon a time there was an honest carpenter named Jiro. One day, Jiro was hired by a man of property to design and build a cafe. Jiro was a very fine carpenter and … [Read more...] about The Legend of UrBANGUILD
The Art of Sarah Brayer
The artist, Sarah Brayer, is currently offering a selection of beautiful prints for the winter season to mark the 30+ years she has been in Kyoto, and on Sunday December 12th, from 1 till 6pm she will host a holiday show and get together at her studio. "There will be prints, paintings, note cards for sale in all price ranges," says Sarah, "All are welcome! And those who come, … [Read more...] about The Art of Sarah Brayer
The Artist Daniel Kelly
A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to meet and spend some time with the artist Daniel Kelly. After meeting by chance in Tadg's one night, Daniel invited me over to his studio in northern Kyoto to get to know him and his work. Upon arrival one Saturday evening, I was immediately accosted by his gorgeously beautiful but extremely cheeky collie Max. I'm a bit shy around dogs … [Read more...] about The Artist Daniel Kelly
