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Exhibition

Tomioka Tessai: The Last Literati Painter (Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Artist’s Death)

2024.04.02 tue. - 05.26 sun.

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Born into a Kyoto merchant family in the late Edo Period, Tomioka Tessai (1837–1924) was a highly accomplished painter whose work was underpinned by his profound knowledge. He devoted himself to a wide range of studies, including Confucianism and Japanese classics, taught himself the techniques of many different schools of painting, and practiced the proverb, “Read 10,000 books, travel 10,000 miles.” Tessai was reputed to be the last of the Bunjinga literati painters, and the end of 2024 marks the centenary of the master artist’s death.
In addition to Tessai’s masterpieces, this exhibition features works that have rarely been displayed in the past as well as recently rediscovered pieces. The inclusion of stationery and old books from the artist’s studio provides us with a glimpse of the artist’s daily life in the city. The first Tessai show to be held in Kyoto in 27 years, this exhibition will provide viewers with an opportunity to become more familiar with his work.

List of Works Tomioka Tessai: The Last Literati Painter (Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Artist’s Death) (PDF 433KB)

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Exhibition dates 2024.04.02 tue. - 05.26 sun.
*Some works will be replaced with others while the exhibition is in session.

Hours 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
*Fridays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
*Admission until 30 min. before closing

Closed Mondays (*Exception: April 29, May 6, 2024), April 30, May 7, 2024

Admission Adults: 1,200 yen (1,000 yen)
University students: 500 yen (400 yen)
* Figures in parentheses are groups of 20 or more and Night discount on Fridays after 6 P.M.
* High school students and younger are free (with valid ID).
* Visitors with disability and one person accompanying them are admitted free of charge. (Please present certificate at the admission.)
* Collection gallery exhibition is available with this ticket.


  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Mt. Fuji (Left Screen), 1898, Kiyoshi-Kojin Seichoji Temple, Tessai Museum

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Mt. Fuji (Right Screen), 1898, Kiyoshi-Kojin Seichoji Temple, Tessai Museum

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, View of Mt. Myogi and Deep Water of Torohaccho (Left Screen), 1906, Fuse Museum of Art

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, View of Mt. Myogi and Deep Water of Torohaccho (Right Screen), 1906, Fuse Museum of Art

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Chang'e Fleeing to the Moon, 1923, Kiyoshi-Kojin Seichoji Temple, Tessai Museum

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Autumn Maples at Tsuten Bridge, Tofukuji Zen Temple in Kyoto, 1882 Kiyoshi-Kojin Seichoji Temple, Tessai Museum

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, The Fish Market at Mitsuhama Beach, 1875, Kiyoshi-Kojin Seichoji Temple, Tessai Museum

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Seafood, 1910, Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Distant View of Mt. Fuji; Autumn View of Kankakei (Left Screen), 1905, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

  • TOMIOKA Tessai, Distant View of Mt. Fuji; Autumn View of Kankakei (Right Screen), 1905, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

Publicity materials Flyer（PDF 2MB）

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