Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934) and Kasho Takabatake (1888-1966) were two of Japan's most prominent Taisho Era (1912-26) painters. Their depictions of women are distinct in style, featuring large eyes and slender figures, an aesthetic that was particularly admired at the time and became known as Taisho Romanticism.
As Japan modernized during the Showa Era (1926-1989), the role of women, inspired by European trends, gradually began to change, and many artists sought to portray this in their work. Alongside the paintings of Takehisa and Takabatake, the exhibition highlights other leading Taisho and Showa artists, including Shinsui Ito and Junichi Nakahara. On display are 200 works, which include prints, illustrations and Japanese paintings; till Nov 11.
Yorozu Tetsugoro Museum; (0198) 42-4402; 5-135, Towachotsuchizawa, Hanamaki, Iwate; JR Kamaishi Line, Tsuchizawa Station. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥600. Closed Mon. www.city.hanamaki.iwate.jp/sightseeing/yorozu.
