He lived through the best and worst of times. His life spanned a century of tremendous change, as Japan's focus shifted from rural to industrial, from East to West, from peace to war. He experienced poverty and success, respect and recrimination. He was Taikan Yokoyama (1868-1958), one of Japan's most important 20th-century artists, and his lifework is now the subject of an exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum.

Although he passionately believed that art should come "from the heart," visitors should not expect emotional thunder and lightning to flash off his works on display. Yokoyama was a follower of ancient Eastern philosophies, such as Taoism, that value insight more than expression. "Those who know, speak not," wrote the Chinese sage Laozi, and Yokoyama's finest pieces reflect a quiet contemplation of life's great mysteries, as well as sympathy for life's simple joys.

Keeping this in mind helps toward gaining a better appreciation of his subjects and techniques -- from masterful scroll paintings of eternal rivers, to naive scenes of children driving oxen.