Beauty of Mounting – Enhancing Hand-Painted Ukiyo-e

The Supporting Role of Ukiyo-e: Its Unseen Beauty

“Hyōsō” (traditional mounting) is the craft of finishing paintings or calligraphy into formats such as hanging scrolls or handscrolls. Using specialized fabric and paper, this process ensures the artwork’s preservation while significantly enhancing its visual appeal. Although mounting is rarely the focus of exhibitions or catalogs, it plays a vital role in elevating the artwork’s presence. Supervised by researcher Maiko Hamamura, this exhibition features approximately 40 works with exceptional mounting, selected from the Ota Memorial Museum of Art’s collection of over 600 hand-painted ukiyo-e (Nikuhitsu Ukiyo-e). By bringing the often-overlooked element of mounting to the forefront, we invite you to experience the profound and complete allure of these ukiyo-e masterpieces.

Unveiling the Harmony Between Painting and Mounting

The colors, patterns, and materials of a mounting significantly influence the impression a painting leaves on the viewer. A truly fine mounting is one meticulously crafted to enhance the artwork’s inherent charm. This exhibition presents mountings that are deeply intertwined with their subjects, effectively expanding the world within the scroll. Examples include Katsukawa Shunshō’s work, which features a peacock pattern echoing the motifs on the woman’s kimono, and Furuyama Moroshige’s work, adorned with waterfowl motifs that perfectly resonate with the riverside. We invite you to explore the creativity and ingenuity imbued in every detail of these mountings.

A Must-See for Kimono Lovers: Sarasa and Noh Costumes in Mountings

Since the Edo period, the rich textile culture of Japan has been deeply integrated into the art of mounting, utilizing a diverse variety of exquisite fabrics. In this collection, Kitagawa Utamaro’s masterpieces are framed with sarasa (chintz)—its delicate and charming patterns were a favorite choice for mounting bijin-ga (paintings of beautiful women). Katsukawa Shunshō’s works are adorned with elegant Noh theater costumes, while Miyagawa Isshō’s paintings feature vibrant kimonos with intricate embroidery and dyed patterns. These textiles work in harmony with the artwork, adding an extra layer of brilliance and sophistication to the works.

Displaying One’s Favorite Star

Hand-painted ukiyo-e are admired for the freedom and creativity of their mountings. Some are decorated with the family crests of Kabuki actors such as Ichikawa Danjūrō and Sawamura Gennosuke, delighting devoted fans with these playful references. The exhibition also includes mountings that reflect the owners’ affection and their desire to display and appreciate their favorite works in the most beautiful way possible.

Masterpieces on Display: Featuring Shunshō, Utamaro, and Hokusai

The exhibition features a stunning selection of hand-painted ukiyo-e from the Ota Memorial Museum of Art’s prestigious collection, including masterpieces by legendary artists such as Katsukawa Shunshō, Kitagawa Utamaro, and Katsushika Hokusai. By exploring the key aesthetic elements of the mounting alongside these original paintings, visitors will have a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of these famed works on a deeper level.

Maiko Hamamura Lecturer at Kyoto University of the Arts (both the Graduate School and Undergraduate programs) and at Waseda University. Her field of expertise is the history of early modern Japanese painting. She is currently conducting extensive research on the culture of mounting in Japan.

Admission

Adult	1000 yen
University and High school students	700 yen
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	Free

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