Exhibitions

Soga Shōhaku, Lions, ca. 1764, Ink on paper, Pair of hanging scrolls, Chōden-ji temple

Outline

The son of a Kyoto merchant, the mid-Edo Period artist Soga Shōhaku (1730-1781) began pursuing a career in painting after the death of his family. He created a large body of work while traveling around places like Matsuzaka, Ise and Takasago, Banshu. Shōhaku's highly idiosyncratic pictures, depicting fantastic realms with powerful brushstrokes and brilliant colors, are filled with both grotesque and humorous elements, making them endlessly captivating. Details regarding the first 30 or so years of Shōhaku's career remain unknown. By that time, he had already established an individualistic style, and made a name for himself throughout the country before returning to Kyoto in his later years. Although there is a tendency to focus on Shōhaku's bizarre expressions, the artist's knowledge of Chinese culture and waka poetry, which are concealed in his works, reflect the extent of his learning. Toward the end of his life, Shōhaku toned down the eccentric aspects of his work, and devoted himself to more sober depictions. This exhibition, spanning Shōhaku's entire career, sheds light on how the artist's eccentric style culminated in a tranquil approach in his final years.

Opening Hours, Closed, Admission

10:00-18:00
Open until 20:00 on Fridays
(Last admission; 30 minutes before closing)

Closed on Mondays

■Ticket for weekdays

Adults: ¥1,400 (¥1,300)
University and High-school students: ¥1,100 (¥1,000)
Junior high school students and under: Free

■Ticket for weekends and holidays

Adults: ¥1,600 (¥1,500)
University and High-school students: ¥1,300 (¥1,200)
Junior high school students and under: Free

＊ The price in brackets is for groups of 20 people and over.
＊ Including the admission fee for the Collection Galleries.

Organized by

Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Chunichi Shimbun, Nikkei Inc. and Aichi Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd.