Starting in Tokyo, Seitei, Zeshin and Kyosai: Japanese Art at the Paris and Philadelphia Expositions

CHUO-KU, Japan - April 14, 2021 - PRLog -- Kashima Arts proudly presents, Seitei, Zeshin and Kyosai: Japanese Art at the Paris and Philadelphia Expositions. The art sales exhibition continues from April 24 to May 5 and offers approx. 40 works by the 3 leading Meiji period Nihon-ga painters who have gained great attention in recent years: Watanabe Seitei, Kawanabe Kyosai and Shibata Zeshin.

With the turn of the 19th century came a period of unprecedented industrial & cultural prosperity. As globalization reached its peak, Centennial Exhibitions became a popular vehicle for countries to showcase their art and tradition. Despite the excess, three major Japanese artists took center stage: Seitei, Zeshin and Kyosai. With their originality, elegance and detail, their works transcended the greatest of cultural boundaries and caught the attention of the world.

Despite their overwhelming success in the West, their exclusion from mainstream history cast a shadow on their reputation. Thankfully, in recent years, their works have undergone re-evaluation and have rightfully regained mass recognition. We welcome you to take this opportunity to view the works of the 3 esteemed artists who continue to stun audiences across many generations and cultures.

Exhibiting Artists
Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891)
The multi-talented Shijo school painter and lacquer artist is best known for his excellent Urushi-e (lacquer painting). A vanguard in his field, Zeshin notably impacted the Meiji period lacquer industry by introducing new techniques. Both, his paintings and highly viscous Western-style textured lacquerware are highly sought after worldwide.

Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889)
The globally acclaimed Edo period painter gained popularity through his satirical caricatures and nishiki-e (ukio-e, colored woodblock prints). Sharp and armed with extraordinary artistic talent, the global impact of Kyosai's works have only increased with time.

Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918)
The disciple of the great history painter, Kikuchi Yosai, Seitei attended the Paris Expo in 1878 and became the first Japanese painter to ever visit Paris. Known for his influence on the Impressionist and fusion of elegant Edo aesthetics with western styles, his works are a refined blend of visual cultures that have earned their own contemporary following.

Work Highlights
- Watanabe Seitei, Fujio Raijin (Wind God and Thunder God)
- Kawanabe Kyosai, Yang Guifei (Yokihi)
- Kawanabe Kyosai, Seven Gods of Good Fortune
- Shibata Zeshin, An Album of Illustrations

【Digital catalogs detailing are available upon request. Please contact intl@kashima-arts.co.jp to register for the offer.】

Seitei, Zeshin and Kyosai: Japanese Art at the Paris and Philadelphia Expositions
Event Page: https://www.kashima-arts.co.jp/en/exhibitions/seitei_kyos...
Dates: April 24 to May 5, 2021. Open every day, from 10am to 6 pm.
Exhibiting Artists: Watanabe Seitei, Kawanabe Kyosai and Shibata Zeshin
Venue: Kashima Arts