Water in Japanese Art

In conjunction with the museum’s “Year of the Classical Elements” special exhibitions, a companion focus exhibition, Water in Japanese Art, will be on view in Gallery 105 of the Patterson-Kettering Wing of Asian Art.

As an island nation, water is an important element in Japan and figures prominently in Japanese art. The Dayton Art Institute houses a strong collection of Edo-period (1603–1868) ukiyo-e woodblock prints and Japanese screen paintings, many of which feature water as a solid, liquid, or vapor, but always full of vitality and energy. The curatorial department has selected a grouping of woodblock prints, screen paintings, and a kimono for this focus exhibition, which includes such masters as Utagawa Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi. From October 29 a second grouping of prints will be on view.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.