”Asian Art and Antique － Let There be Antique!” Exhibition
NY Coo Gallery
This event has ended.
NY Coo Gallery in April presents its second antique exhibition entitled ”Asian Art and Antique－Let There be Antique!”
Curated by Ryo Iida Asian Art, the exhibition features a wide range of Japanese antiques that are both visual and artistic treasure.
The highlight of the show is a painting by Ogata Korin (1658-1716), well respected painter of Rimpa School. The painting illustrates the image of takarabune (treasure ship). According to a popular belief started in Edo period, one will have a good dream by placing an image of takarabune under the pillow on New Year’s Day, which will lead to the entire year with much fortune. The two cranes and pine trees on board are auspicious symbols of longevity. Hoju (sacred jewels) bring light into darkness. They also remove suffering and grant every wish. The large bales of rice are auspicious symbol of prosperity. The entire images are illustrated by Korin’s skillful brush work with light color.
The other highlight is a shikishi (poem card) by Hon’ami Koetsu (1558-1637), who was one of the most versatile artists of his time, admired above all for his talent as calligrapher. His great achievement was to create a new style of calligraphy through a synthesis of the Chinese-influenced style with elements of the classical Japanese writing tradition of the Heian period (794--1185). A classic poem has been inscribed by Hon’ami Koetsu on this square sheet of paper decorated by Tawaraya Sotatsu’s studio in gold and silver design of camellia. Now mounted as a hanging scroll, this is one of a set of similar poem pages probably intended to be pasted on a gold leaf screen. The poem, from his favorite anthology of Japanese court poetry, the Shinkokin wakashu (New Collection of Ancient and Modern Poetry Anthology).
It reads;
My tears turn into red marks on sleeve
You still don’t notice me
How many more times I need to dye my sleeve with my tears
I wish I could ask my beloved man
The show also includes screens, ceramic jars, porcelain dishes, and lacquer ware, metal-work and wood sculpture from 14th century to 20th century.
[Image: Ogata Korin "Takarabune (treasure ship)" & Hon’ami Koetsu "Shikishi (poem card)" ]
Media
Schedule
from April 14, 2010 to April 30, 2010
Opening Reception on 2010-04-16 from 17:00 to 19:30