In recent years, the pet boom has been increasing, with dogs and cats being the most familiar and beloved animals in our lives. Artwork featuring beloved pets has been appearing, including at the Yamatane Museum’s special exhibition titled “Dogman?” (May 12th – July 7th). The exhibition showcases masterpieces themed around dogs and cats. The first chapter focuses on magnificent dogs, featuring artworks from the Edo period to modern times. The second chapter highlights adorable cats spanning from the Edo period to the present day. The exhibition also includes exquisite flower and bird paintings. This display caters to animal lovers of all kinds and awaits the audience’s visit.
Recently, the pet boom is increasing more and more. Dogs and cats are the most familiar and beloved animals to us, and have been appearing in Japanese paintings since ancient times.
In recent years, artworks featuring beloved dogs and cats have been appearing one after another.
The special exhibition “Dog Man?” currently being held at the Yamatane Museum. (May 12 – July 7)
We asked the director of the Yamatane Museum, Sae Takebayashi, about the highlights of this exhibition.
“Dogs and cats, the most familiar animals to humans. At the Yamatane Museum, we will gather masterpieces with dogs and cats as the theme. Cute dogs and cats are looking forward to your visit!”
The first chapter is about wonderful dogs.
We will introduce various wonderful works depicting dogs from the Edo period to the present.
During the Momoyama period to the early Edo period (late 16th to early 17th century), Japan, which had active exchanges with Europe, valued Western dogs. This work depicts a dog with features similar to a Dachshund. This is the first time this work will be publicly displayed.
This lovely work depicts nine lively puppies playing together. Puppies were a popular subject that Maruyama Itako, Asue’s teacher, excelled in. While following the depiction of puppies by Oju, Asue painted them cutely and freely.
Since modern times, painters have continued to depict their beloved dogs. Ryuko Kawabata is known as a dog lover and has created many works based on his beloved dogs. This is a painting of his beloved dog Muku in the garden. After finishing work, before dusk, he played with the dog and caught fleas.
The second chapter is about lovely cats.
Here, cute cats from the Edo period to the present are gathered.
When it comes to cat lovers in the Edo period, there’s Utagawa Kunifuyoshi. He always kept 5-6 cats and reportedly kept a kitten in his pocket when painting. One of the photo series that combines women who take poses based on the “Ta” suffix and local specialties. The woman is licked on the face by a cat’s rough tongue, and although she says “Ouch, ouch,” her eyes staring at the cat are full of love.
“The Flower Bride Attendant” (Important Cultural Property) is the representative work of Sei Takeuchi, who led the modern Kyoto art world. During his travels, Ukyo saw a cat he saw by chance in Numazu and was reminded of the cat painted by Emperor Huizong, sparking a desire to express himself. He took this cat home, repeatedly took photos and sketched it to complete this work. The fleeting expression and movement of the cat are beautifully expressed. The unique softness of the cat and the soft texture of the cat’s fur depicted with ink, mineral pigments, and gold clay make you want to touch it without thinking. After the work was completed, the cat disappeared while Seiho was not looking.
Additionally, we will introduce excellent flower and bird paintings as a special exhibition. In addition to dogs and cats, birds were also favorite subjects for painters.
Whether you love dogs, cats, or other animals, you can enjoy this exhibition. We look forward to your visit!
Even if you’re not a fan of dogs or cats, there are plenty of wonderful things to enjoy, so please come and check it out.
【Event Details】
Special Exhibition “Are you a Dog Lover? Or a Cat Person? – From Tawaraya Sotatsu, Takeuchi Seiho, Toshiji Fujita to Akira Yamaguchi -“
Date: May 12, 2024 (Sunday) – July 7, 2024 (Sunday)
First Half: May 12, 2024 (Sunday) – June 9, 2024 (Sunday) Second Half: June 11, 2024 (Tuesday) – July 7, 2024 (Sunday)
There may be changes to the exhibits during the exhibition period
Location: Yamatane Museum
Address: 3-12-36 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial reception hours 9:00-20:00)
Official website: https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Closed on Mondays
Price: Please refer to the official website
How to get there: Check the official website
Reporter & Writer: Mitsu Ike