The Museum Collection currently consists of approximately 4,200 works of Kyoto modern art comprising Japanese paintings, Western-style paintings, sculpture, prints, crafts, and calligraphy. In particular, the Collection includes masterpieces representative of Japanese painting made by Kyoto artists between the Meiji and Showa periods, making it one of the leading collections of such works in Japan.

From the Taisho to Showa periods, expressions in Japanese painting changed dramatically. While in the Taisho period, a lyrical expression utilizing rich colors, blurring, and shadows could be seen in many works, a more refined style employing simple lines, plain composition, and restrained colors had gained popularity by the Showa period.
At the same time, the subjects of these elegant paintings were often inspired by Japanese and Chinese history, classical literature, and classicism. Many Kyoto painters, including Ikai Shokoku, Matsumoto Ichiyo, and Kikuchi Keigetsu, produced works with historical themes, while on the other hand, Nishiyama Suisho and Uemura Shoko made works that reflected their study of classicism. This special display introduces Japanese paintings of the early Showa period and scrutinizes the gaze toward classicism that was the source of their creation.

2023 Schedule