Art Exhibitions
The Shape of Love: Chigo Zoshi
Sep 19 – Dec 30, 10:00–17:00 · Fukuda Art Museum, Kyoto · Kyoto
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Dates
- Sep 19, 2026 – Dec 30, 2027, 10:00–17:00
About this event
SummaryFirst-ever public exhibition of the legendary 'Chigo Zoshi' shunga scroll at the Fukuda Art Museum, featuring intimate depictions of love and desire from the 14th century.
Highlights
- Unprecedented public display of the complete 'Chigo Zoshi' scroll, previously known only as a 'phantom shunga'.
- Features works depicting love and desire by renowned artists including Katsushika Hokusai and Uemura Shoen.
- Includes a replica of 'Koshigawa Zoshi', one of Japan's oldest shunga works.
- Explores the historical context of shunga art from the Heian period through the Edo period.
Details
The exhibition introduces the world of 'shunga', art depicting love, desire, and the earnest emotions of people. The centerpiece is the 'Chigo Zoshi', a handscroll believed to have been created in the early 14th century, illustrating the intimate relationship between young boys and monks. This legendary work has long been known only through its existence. In addition to the main scroll, the exhibition presents a replica of 'Koshigawa Zoshi' (also referred to as 'Koshigahara Zoshi' or 'Koshigaki Zoshi' in various records), representing one of the oldest examples of shunga depicting sexual activity. The collection also includes original shunga works by Tsukoka Yukitei and Kaburagi Kiyoharu, alongside famous pieces by Hokusai such as 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' and 'Wave and Birds'. The event aims to shed light on the profound emotions that drive human connection through the lens of historical erotic art.
Important Note
Admission is strictly prohibited for individuals under the age of 18.
Also on the list: Art Exhibitions in Kyoto
-
Bunrei Maekawa: Three Generations of Shijo School Painters
Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Local Museum, Kizugawa
-
The Hiroshima Panels: A Space to Think About the Future
Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Ritsumeikan University
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