Sept. 14-Nov. 4
Yasunari Kawabata (1899-1972) is best-known as the first Japanese novelist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1968). He was also a philosopher and avid art collector who amassed an impressive range of important works.
Kawabata's acquisitions ranged from Japanese masterpieces by Urakami Gyokudo (1745-1820), Ikeno Taiga (1723-1776) and Yosa Buson (1716-1784), some of which are now designated national treasures, to modern works by Kaii Higashiyama (1908-1999), Harue Koga (1895-1933) and Yayoi Kusama. He also admired Western artists, including Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).
To celebrate 120 years since the birth of Kawabata, the Himeji Museum of Art is showcasing the writer's collection alongside letters, personal objects, related documents and writing samples by his fellow literary masters.
Himeji City Museum of Art; 68-25 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo. Himeji Stn. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥1,400. Closed Mon. 079-222-2288; www.city.himeji.lg.jp/art.html
