Rinpa: The Legacy of Sophistication and Beauty of Simplicity

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Inquiries about exhibited works are welcome even after the exhibition, so please feel free to contact us.
Even if your desired work is unavailable, we will do our best to cater to your needs and help you find your perfect piece.

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Rinpa’s legacy traces back to Tawaraya Sotatsu in Kyoto during the Edo period, and it has continued to thrive for nearly 400 years. Evidenced by the 2018 Rinpa Exhibition in Cernuschi Museum in Paris, Rinpa has grown to amass fans from all over the world. Despite its traditional Japanese roots, Rinpa’s popularity has drawn worldwide recognition, and has become an iconic name and emblem for luxurious and ornate aesthetics. Nevertheless, Rinpa’s essence is not only in the use of luxurious materials, such as gold and silver leaf, but in their intuitive design and sophisticated artistry. Established through the studies and pursuits of independent artists, Rinpa holds an incredibly diverse, historic and regional sense of aesthetic intuition. In addition to works by famous Rinpa artists, our sales exhibition will present “another side to Rinpa,” to reveal the other half, buried amidst the shine of gold and silver.

One of the most distinctive features of Rinpa is the ways their gorgeous works weaves vibrant colors into sophisticated compositions. In this exhibition, we will display “Hina Dolls” by Suzuki Kiitsu, a key Edo Rinpa artist, which showcases Rinpa’s brilliant treatment of color. Another notable feature is the use of Rinpa design in crafts. Kamisaka Sekka’s lacquer box, for instance, gives us an excellent glance at the
sophistication of Rinpa design and aesthetics.

“Autumn Grass”, by Sakai Hoitsu, a master Edo Rinpa painter, shows exactly how the motifs have been masterfully transcended through generations of Rinpa artists. As one of the most commonly enjoyed and painted motifs, Autumn grass allowed Rinpa artists to render designs and a well-balanced composition that highlighted their aesthetics and techniques. In this exhibition, many more common Rinpa motifs will be on display. In rendering these motifs, do notice the evolution of these themes and the ways in which the same motifs have evolved. The reconstruction of singular motifs, a testament to the transcendence of Rinpa aesthetics.

Rinpa artists are gifted in their ability to express motifs through a unique composition and a sophisticated, but minimal, amount of artistic labor. Whilst gold and silver leaves overwhelm the aesthetic of their work, the true ability of the Rinpa artist resides in the simple material of their ink paintings. In this event, we will reveal the often overlooked, Rinpa ink painting. For instance, the subtle but sophisticated “Cherry Blossoms” by Ogata Kenzan uses black ink and gentle strokes to render petals. In contrast, the endearing and animated expressions of Nakamura Hochu “Begging Monks” (exhibited late last year, at Hosomi Museum of Art’s special exhibition) excites much affection. This is an opportunity to experience another side to Rinpa- one that goes beyond the glamor and shine of sophisticated compositions and painting techniques.

All works will be presented without glass casings or any other visually hindering displays. Take this opportunity to experience art at their purest, and enjoy the unique textures and colors that can only be seen directly with a naked eye.