In Japanese, the term "kacho fugetsu" consists of the kanji for "flower," "bird," "wind" and "moon," and it refers to "the beauties of nature" — that ever-popular subject of nihonga (Japanese-style painting).

Known as "kacho," flower-and-bird motifs came to symbolize life and were usually featured in paintings of the seasons. "Fugetsu" — moon and wind motifs —were associated with weather and other natural phenomena.

This exhibition showcases 123 kacho-fugetsu paintings, focusing on the Edo Period (1603-1867), from the collection of the Chiba City Museum of Art; Aug. 27-Sept. 23.

Chiba City Museum of Art; 043-221-2311; 3-10-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba; Chiba Station, JR lines. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥200. Closed Sept. 2. www.ccma-net.jp