From the contemporary art museum, these caught my eye because how could they not? The artist is Shinohara Ushio (1932-). The sculpture is called Motorcycle. The painting is called Motorcycle and Geisha. Photos below.
From the Tokyo National Museum, the ancient carved from wood statues.
Photo below. From the plaque:
“Kichijöten, Goddess of Good Fortune
Heian period, 10th century | Wood | Passed down at Omiya Shrine, Kyoto Kichijoten is a goddess from Indian mythology who brings good fortune and abundant harvests. Here, she holds a magic wish-granting jewel representing her ability to answer prayers. Carved from a massive tree trunk over 1,000 years ago, her figure was meant to inspire awe with its weight and volume.”
Photo below. From the plaque:
“The Buddha Dainichi
Heian period, 11th-12th century | Wood with lacquer and gold leaf
According to mikkyo, the “secret” teachings of Buddhism, Dainichi is the creator of the universe and the king of all buddhas. He grips his left forefinger with his right hand, a gesture expressing the spiritual union of buddhas and people. His slender body and flowing robes reflect the aesthetic tastes of the court nobility, the primary patrons of Buddhism when this sculpture was created.”
Photo below. From the plaque:
“The Kyoto artisan Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) succeeded in combining the genres of ceramics and poetry. He designed these food dishes to resemble tanzaku, which are paper strips traditionally used for writing poems. A hidden inscription indicates that he made the dishes at the age of 81.”
Photos below. Exquisitely hand embroidered kimono. From the plaque:
“According to legend, a carp with the strength to swim up a waterfall will be transformed into a mighty dragon. This metaphor for promotion and success is depicted at the bottom of this women’s kimono. The round family emblems across the shoulders are those of the Satsuma, a samurai clan that ruled in southern Japan.”
