Through portraits of women adorned in beautiful costumes, the exhibition explores the art of Matsuura Byobu. [Image: National Treasure "Byobu with Female Entertainment" (left panel)]

The exhibition features textile work.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the leading comprehensive museums in the U.S. with a very fine collection of Japanese art. They hold more than 3000 Ukiyo-e mainly from the collection of Richard Gale. Selected 250 pieces from their large collection are introduced in this exhibition, including works that are on view for the first time. Part I: April 5th (Sat) - April 29th (Tue/Holiday) Part II: May 1st (Thu) - May 25th (Sun) *Different pieces will be on display during the two periods. [Image: Hokusai Katsushika "36 Views of Mount Fuji: Red Fuji" (1830-37)]

The exhibition features twelve works from the museum's Manyo Nihonga collection.

[Image: Hako Irie "Coming Spring"]

Chosei and Akihisa Miwa are father and son, and have both shown dedication in depicting Manyo Nihonga. Both Chosei and Akihisa learned painting under Insho Dohmoto. Both have presented works that have been recognized in high profile art competitions such as the Nitten. In fact, Akihisa himself is currently one of the jury members. The exhibition features approximately 50 works by both artists. Art Talk: March 23rd (Sun) 14:00-

Chikkyo Ono, who was born in Okayama prefecture in 1889, decided to become a painter. At 14, Chikkyo moved to Kyoto to study under Seiho Takeuchi, and at 29, he established an artists circle with Kagaku Murakami. During his career, he aimed to synthesize western painting and eastern painting through using vibrant colors and creating landscapes that reflected specific emotions. The exhibition features approximately 100 works by Chikkyo that have been highly approved by Shoen Uemura. [Image: Chikkyo Ono "Lake"]

Horses have been an important partner to humans throughout history. In fact, horse-power was crucial in establishing civilization. The exhibition specifically focuses on the mythical Pegasus, which is often a symbol of beauty, power, and strength. The works on display include artifacts and art works from the Greek and Roman Empires, China, Japan, and western Asia. *Exhibiting at East/West New annex [Image: "Silver of Korinthos" courtesy of Equine Museum of Japan]

The exhibition features 25 figure paintings on the theme of wind. [Image: "Blessing of the Earth" (2007), oil on canvas]

The exhibition features artwork from ancient Greece. These works portray the philosophical exploration of Greek minds and their investigation of nature's works. *Exhibiting at exhibition rooms 1 & 2 Art Talk: April 25th (Fri), May 26th (Mon) 13:30- [Image: "Red vase of Patera" 35.2x35.2cm]

This exhibition is the second of its series, focusing on Irie's intimate relationship with the Yamato road. The exhibition features 106 works in color and monochrome. [Image: "Roof of Toshodaiji's Main Temple" (1970)]

During the Meiji era, the so-called era of photography, Risaburo Kudo started taking photographs, centering on the temples in Nara but also as far as Oita in Kyushu. In a time when the historicism of the fine arts in Japan was not as settled as today, Kudo set out to document the Cultural Properties. After publishing "The Essence of Japan" in 1908, he produced a total of 11 collections through his enthusiasm, the results of which we are still able to inherit today. 1025 of his remaining negatives have been recorded as National Tangible Cultural Properties and to mark this, 25 original prints will be exhibited, showing the modern Japan that Risaburo Kudo photographed. [Image: Todaiji Temple (Buddha Hall)]

Shotoku Taishi left the capital of Asuka and went north up the Asuka River, establishing Horyuji at the village of Ikaruga. This exhibition will display works from Touin Monastery, including fully restored pieces.

The work of representative contemporary calligrapher and Nara resident Ryosetsu and of those who have continued and energized his ideas will be exhibited.

Religious art is born out of and transferred by a range of people. Based on paintings and Zen writing, this exhibition will draw attention to the beauty of prayer that enwraps our existence. [Image: Bronze Ginzou Bunjou Vase]

Shoko and Atsushi Uemura painted the beauty in nature of flowers and birds. At times severe, at times friendly, nature shows a range of faces, and through an interaction with her these painters grew to know her grandeur, and expressed in painting the bleak form of beings trying to live to the fullest. Visitors can see the nobility of existence that Shoko and Atsushi Uemura have left in their work, work which will sound a warning bell against the continuing destruction of nature of today. [Image: Shoko Uemura "Flower" (from "Snow, Moon and Flowers Series")]

For this special exhibition the museum has drawn works from its collection, especially post-war Japanese Western-style painters. It will showcase how they created by learning from Western art and then filtering it through the sensibility of a Japanese. [Image: Heizo Kanayama "Wood in Towada"]