Special exhibition - The Allure of Fusuma-e - Mesmerizing modernity arose in sliding doors (Fusuma-e) of Chishakuin Temple

Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts (located in Kita-ku, Kyoto https://insho-domoto.com/) will hold a special exhibition, “- The Allure of Fusuma-e - Mesmerizing modernity arose in sliding doors (Fusuma-e) of Chishakuin Temple” from January 20 (Tue.) to March 22(Sun.), 2026.

Exhibition flyer

【Exhibition Overview】

Domoto Insho (1891–1975) created fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) for 13 shrines and temples across Japan throughout his life. This exhibition introduces his fusuma-e from Chishakuin Temple collection, including “Ladies Having Tea” which has been praised for its prominent style of Kyoto modernity and remains highly popular today.

In 1958, when Shinden Hall at Chishakuin Temple was reconstructed to welcome distinguished guests, the temple commissioned Insho to produce new fusuma-e. Although Chishakuin houses the renowned National Treasures “Maple Tree” “Cherry Blossom Tree” by Hasegawa Tohaku and his son, the temple believed that religious art should reflect the era. In response, Insho boldly decided to adopt a thoroughly modern approach, remarking that he was “prepared to be criticized for a hundred years.” We hope you will enjoy the creative attitude of Insho, who continued to pursue new expressions despite the criticism of the public.

In addition, tea ceremony utensils created by Insho, who loved the tea ceremony, will be exhibited in conjunction with this exhibition. The exhibition will also feature approximately 20 items from the museum's newly acquired collection.

【Highlights】

(1) [Modernity in Kyoto! Introducing the Chishakuin fusuma-e, which were the talk of the town at the time for their innovative expression.]

In 1958, Domoto Insho was commissioned to create sliding door paintings for Chishakuin Temple, which attracted attention for their modern design, including “Ladies Having Tea” which depicted a modern woman enjoying outdoor tea ceremony, an unconventional motif for a sliding door painting in a temple. This special exhibition features 18 sliding door paintings (usually closed to the public) by Insho, who always boldly strove for new expression.

(2) [In connection with Chishakuin's “Ladies Having Tea”, attention will be paid to tea ceremony utensils made by Insho, who loved the tea ceremony!]

Influenced by his father, Gohei, a man of refined taste, Insho became so familiar with the tea ceremony that he built a tea room in his own residence. He also held tea ceremonies at his painting school, Tokyusha, and believed that tea ceremonies played an important role in his artistic activities, as they contributed to spiritual cultivation. Insho not only enjoyed the tea ceremony, but also produced his own tea utensils. This exhibition presents a selection of uniquelydesigned tea utensils that reflect Insho’s distinctive creativity, including the newly acquired tea scoop “Avignon”, as well as tea bowls and kettles.

(3) [A large collection of “mesmerizing modernity” selected by the staff, including colorful abstract paintings and works depicting contemporary customs!]

Insho left behind a variety of “modern” works that are not limited to traditional Japanese painting. Among them, we will exhibit a selection of Insho’s modern works chosen by our museum staff – mesmerizing pieces whose allure is sure to make your heart unintentionally flutter. Please enjoy these gems.

【Main Exhibits】

Modern in Kyoto!

Bold fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) depicting modern women

Ladies Having Tea, 1958, Chishakuin

Competing with the National Treasure “Cherry Blossom Tree and Maple Tree” by Hasegawa Tohaku and his son.

Pine, Cherry Blossom and Willow Trees, 1958, Chishakuin

Modern Tea Ceremony Utensils by Insho

Tea bowl, Rainy Day, 1964

Tea caddy, Abundance, 1963

Staff's Choice for “mesmerizing modernity”

Bar in Montmartre, 1952

Sacred Songs, 1969

*All works are by Domoto Insho unless otherwise noted. Works without indication of lender belong to the collection of Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts.

■Exhibition Details

Exhibition Title:〈50th Anniversary of his death〉 Special exhibition

　　　　　　　     - The Allure of Fusuma-e -

                          Mesmerizing modernity arose in sliding doors (Fusuma-e) of 

                          Chishakuin Temple

Dates: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - Sunday, March 22, 2026

Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:30)

Closed: Mondays (When Monday is a national holiday,

                          the museum will be open and closed the following weekday)

Admission: Adults 800 yen (640 yen), high school and university students 500 yen (400 yen), seniors 65 and over 400 yen (320 yen) (official identification required)

　　　　　 ・Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more.

　　　　　 ・Junior high school students and younger and 

               　those with a disability certificate (including one caregiver) are 

               　free of charge.

Sponsor: Kyoto Prefecture,

              Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

　　　　　(Designated manager: Kyoto Culture Foundation), Kyoto Shimbun

Special cooperation: Chishakuin Temple

The schedule is subject to change.

Please check the museum's website for the latest information before visiting.