Each and every season is important in the Japanese calendar, but there is a special place for Spring, signifying new beginnings and a chance to reacquaint yourself with the familiar from a fresh perspective. In store at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, the arts takes the lead on the seasonal festivities with the Spring Inten, an annual seasonal celebration of Japanese Nihonga paintings, produced by the Nihon Bijutsuin in the Annex seventh floor gallery. One of the clear highlights of the Japanese Nihonga calendar and now in its seventy-second year, it is the perfect place to acquaint yourself with the genre for the first time, as well as for seasoned eyes to reflect on the tastes of our time. The exhibition gathers some 300 works from masters of the field in addition to fresh talents who have made it through the fierce selection process to win their place in the gallery.
In addition to the main exhibition, visitors can also enjoy a history of the aforementioned Nihon Bijutsuin that takes you right back to the Meiji period in a series of rare photographs and panels. Elsewhere a spotlight will be shone on women active in Nihonga, highlighting their contribution to the field.
Kyoto Okurimono Fair
March 29 - April 3, Main Building 7F (Closes at 18:00 on the final day)
With your eyes sated, continue on to enjoy a range of seasonal gifts perfect for Spring is to be found at the Kyoto Okurimono Fair, each item selected to be a representation as much of the giver's taste, but also to demonstrate respect for the recipient. This celebration of Japanese gift-giving culture spans the peaks of Kyoto crafts enjoyed since antiquity side by side with contemporary iterations that capture the nuanced here and now of Kyoto. From Japanese washi writing paper suitable for a house-call to exquisite kanzashi hair pins to be treasured to mark a special occasion, you will be sure to find something that encapsulates Kyoto in Spring on your visit.
A Cultural History Told in Scent - Shoyeido Teshigoto Exhibition
April 5th - 10th, Main Building 7F (Closes at 18:00 on the final day)
Finally, satisfy your sense of smell with an exhibition celebrating Japan's incense history brought to us by historic manufacturer Shoyeido. A family business for twelve generations, Shoyeido brings 300 years of expertise to the world of incense, capturing fragrances enjoyed at the heart of Japanese culture over the centuries in their hand-blended natural ingredients. Once again this is an occasion for the novice and expert with easily accessible kits for those looking to bring beautiful Japanese fragrances to their home for the first time, as well as exhibits and exhibitions that unlock the culture that surrounds incense including kimono and contemporary ways to bring incense into your daily life.
Spring Inten
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Annex 7F, Gallery
Dates
March 29th - April 10th, 2017
Kyoto Okurimono Fair
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 7F, Exhibition Space
Dates
March 29th - April 3rd, 2017 (Closes at 18:00 on the final day)
A Cultural History Told in Scent - Shoyeido Teshigoto Exhibition
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 7F, Exhibition Space
Dates
April 5th - April 10th, 2017 (Closes at 18:00 on the final day)