For those who aren't familiar with Japanese art, works with animal motifs may be more accessible and enjoyable to see.
This summer exhibition brings together nihonga (Japanese-style painting), artifacts, kimonos and more that feature animal motifs such as dogs, cats, rabbits, elephants and raccoons — all from the collection of the Kyoto National Museum, which houses more than 12,000 items.
The works, on display in the museum's special gallery space, are also by well-known masters, such as Sesshu, Motonobu Kano, Sotatsu Tawaraya and Juakuchu Ito, to name a few; July 16-Aug. 28.
The Kyoto National Museum; (075) 525-2473; 527 Chayamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi; 7-min. walk east of Shichijo Station, Keihan Honsen Line. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., till 8 p.m.). ¥1,000. Closed Mon., Tue. July 19; open July 18. www.kyohaku.go.jp.
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