Kyoto National Museum

Yusho Kaiho, born into a family legacy of military service, was destined to wield a paintbrush in lieu of a sword. He entered Kyoto’s Tofuku shrine as a young page, sparing him the fate of his father and brothers who died in battle, and went on to make his livelihood as a painter after many years serving as a lay priest. Kaiho studied as a pupil of artist Kano Motonobu before establishing his own independent school of painting. In celebration of its 120-year anniversary, the Kyoto National Museum presents an impressive collection of works by Kaiho brought to Japan from locations around the world. This retrospective exhibition includes a number of Kaiho’s early monochrome sumi-e ink paintings, in addition to well-known screen paintings applied to gold leaf backgrounds in rich color, many of which were designated as Important Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Kaiho Yusho Exhibition
• Until May 21 • Open: 9:30am–6pm (until 8pm Fri & Sat) • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,500 • Access: Shichijo Stn, 7-min walk • Tel: 075-525-2473 • yusho2017.jp/