From 20 September, a new exhibition will be on display at the Japan Museum SieboldHuis in Leiden. For the first time, a retrospective exhibition of Ryohei Tanaka with works on loan from Japanese and European private collections can be seen in Europe.
Ryohei Tanaka (Tanaka Ryōhei, 1933) believes in pursuing perfection in everything he does. As a graphic artist, he has dedicated his life to the artistic interpretation of rural Japan. His detailed etchings in both black and white and colour portray a Japan of farmsteads, temples and landscapes. Inspired by Kyoto and surrounding areas, Tanaka’s works are meticulous depictions of both beauty and decay. Thousands of fine lines form the basis of his prints, with life-like textures that make his etchings almost tangible.
Rembrandt year
The exhibition ‘Subtle Beauty’ has been programmed within the framework of the Rembrandt Year. 2019 marks the 350th anniversary of the death of this famous Dutch Master and during this year exhibitions and a host of other activities will be held throughout the Netherlands. It was around 1640 when Rembrandt began to do etchings of the Amsterdam countryside.
350 years later Ryohei Tanaka sought inspiration in similar locations in Japan’s rural landscape. Both artists share a love for pastoral farms and a preference for the application of textures in their works. It is therefore indeed fitting that the Japanese etchings of Tanaka are being exhibited here in Leiden, the birthplace of the famous master of etchings – Rembrandt van Rijn.
The four seasons
In the same period, there will be an exhibition of Japanese prints in which the four seasons are highlighted. The seasons are a recurring theme in Japanese art, culture, traditions and customs and a popular subject in print art. This presentation with prints from the late 19th and early 20th centuries shows various scenes in which the Japanese change of season and natural beauty play an important role. The selection was gifted by collectors Muck and Mieke Douma and will be exhibited for the first time.
Until 19 January 2020, it is possible to visit both exhibitions. The SieboldHuis Japan Museum can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Tickets are available online and at the door.
Source: Japanmuseum SieboldHuis
