[2026 Winter] Collection Room
Special Display: Modernity Reflected in Kyoto Lacquerware
2027/1/15-2027/3/14
Venue [ Main Building（South Wing）1F ]
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Kamisaka Sekka, Ornamental Box with Lacquered Drawings of Men Performing a Ceremony, Taisho period
Collection of the museumThe Museum Collection currently consists of approximately 4,500 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.
Kyoto lacquerware has been passed down over centuries since the Heian period. This special display traces the evolution of Kyoto lacquer artistry from the modern era to the post-war period. During the Meiji and Taisho periods, Kyoto lacquerware preserved traditional techniques and designs dating back to the Edo period, while also embracing Western-inspired designs and returning to pre-modern Japanese art forms, such as those of the Rinpa school. In the early Showa period, modern lacquerware that harmonized with contemporary lifestyles emerged, and a unique aesthetic blending tradition and modernity was sought. After World War II, new forms of expression transcending the conventions of lacquerware were explored, and amidst the integration of other materials and innovative forms that departed from functionality, Kyoto lacquerware underwent a major transformation.
In modern Kyoto lacquerware, creativity responsive to the sensibilities of the times has been layered upon ancient traditions. This exhibition unravels the various forms of Kyoto lacquerware born at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
Other exhibits concurrently on view in the gallery:
The Italian Renaissance Captured by Kyoto Painters: Suda Kunitaro and Kikuchi Keigetsu
Techniques and Expression of Western Printmaking
Pine, Bamboo, and Plum: Enduring the Winter
Winter Selection
Kamisaka Sekka, Ornamental Box with Lacquered Drawings of Men Performing a Ceremony, Taisho period
Collection of the museumInformation
- Period
- January 15 (Fri.) – March 14 (Sun.), 2027
- Time
- 10:00−18:00 (last admission 17:30)
- Venue
- Main Building（South Wing）1F
- Closed on
- Mondays (except public holidays)
- Admission
Kyoto City residents: ¥520*
Non-residents: ¥730
Groups (of 20 or more): ¥620
Elementary, junior high and high school students: Free**Non- resident elementary,
junior high and high school students: ¥300
Groups: ¥200Children under elementary school: Free
*Admission is free for residents over 70 (with valid ID or senior boarding pass) and for those with disabilities (with valid disability certificates). Admission is ¥100 for students attending Kyoto universities registered as Kyoto City Campus Culture Partners.
** living or studying in KyotoPlease bring a valid ID.
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Kamisaka Sekka, Ornamental Box with Lacquered Drawings of Men Performing a Ceremony, Taisho period Collection of the museum 
Sano Choukan, Lidded Bowl with Mesh and Cherry Blossom Pattern in Maki-e, Early 1800s Collection of the museum 
Okumura Kajo, Lacquered Panels “Deer”, 1937 Collection of the museum 
Suzuki Masaya, In Light and Time, 1978 Collection of the museum 
Suda Kunitaro, Reproduction of Tintoretto’s The Abduction of Helen, 1922, Collection of Kyoto City Museum of Art Collection of the museum 
Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes, Los Caprichos: No. 39 As far back as his grandfather, 1878 (4th edition) Collection of the museum 
Takeuchi Seiho / Raku Kichizaemon XIII(Seinyu), Tea Bowl with New Year Plum Blossom Design, c.1926 Collection of the museum 
Kusube Yaichi, Incense Burner with Red and White Plum Blossoms in Saien Technique, 1984 Collection of the museum -
Museum Cafe
The menu of seasonal sweets in Cafe ENFUSE will change four times a year, along with the seasons. Also the museum shop will continue offering new confectionary selections twice a month, every month.
