- Peacock and Peonies Nagasawa Rosetsu (1754 – 1782) Edo period, dated Tenmei 2 (1782) Two-panel screen, ink and colors on paper, 166.9 x 184.6 cm (Courtesy of the Bowers Museum) This painting depicts the king of the flowers, the peony, and the most regal of birds, the peacock, and to further enhance the majestic luxury of the painting, Resetsu has added gold powder to the canvas.
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
Japanese Masterpieces from the Price Collection
June 18 – July 17, 2011
Santa Ana, California – Why have more than one million viewers flocked to experience the re-discovered Japanese painting masterpieces from the Joe and Etsuko Price Collection?
Because it provides a unique opportunity to survey the paintings of the top artists of Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) -- painters who are considered unconventional and eccentric in their approach to painting during their lifetimes.
Now celebrated for their daring wit, exuberant luxuries, and their individualistic expressions of the natural world, these artists of Edo period Japan have been credited as the masters of their time, and more recently as the inspiration for the contemporary painting movement known as Superflat and the Japanese sensation of Anime.
Art and culture flourished during the Edo period, a time when both artists and the samurai revered the use of unwavering precision. Be it by brush or blade, execution came with a single stroke.
On June 18, 2011, the Bowers Museum unveils the finale of its two-part exhibition series showcasing the Price Collection’s crown jewels and will only be on view through July 17, 2011 in order to protect the paintings from harmful over-exposure to light.
The exhibition includes 26 sets of screen and scroll paintings by artists Nagasawa Rosetsu, Katsu Jagyoku, Maruyama Okyo, Mori Sosen, Isoda Koryūsai, Sakai Hoitsu, Suzuki Kiitsu, Nakano Kimei, Yamaguchi Soken, Goshun and Matsumura Keibun, Yoshimura Kokei, Katayama Yokoku, Kitagawa Kikumaro, Katsukawa Shun’ei and Suzuki Shuitsu.
Educational programming, distinguished lectures and performances tied into the exhibit complete the experience.
Adults - $12, Seniors, Students and Children (6 and over) - $9, Children under 6 – free
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
