Kobe area recommendations x2

[Bugyotsuji]

If anyone is able to visit Hyogo before the DTI, there are two exhibitions well worth seeing. One is an exhibition of superb sword fittings, and the other a massive display of rare blades and Ukiyoe.

 

1. Kurokawa Ko-Bunka Kenkyu Sho, 黒川古文化研究所 Kurokawa Institute of Ancient Cultures. (Way up on a hillside somewhere, so access will need to be considered in advance.) They often have something special to see, but up until the 27th of November there is a gorgeous collection of sword fittings, displaying top examples by top artisans. 近世刀装具の美術史 Kinsei Tosogu no Bijutsu Shi (or 'Art history of Tosogu from the late feudal age'). Old books are displayed alongside showing where many artisans found their thematic insipirations.

 

Two strengths of 単眼鏡 monocular can be borrowed at the front desk. No English descriptions were available as I recall. (?) There is a full-colo(u)r exhibition catalog(ue) in Japanese at only 2,300 JPY, which comes with a Bugyotsuji special recommendation. 

 

2. At the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art in central Kobe is an enormous wealth of material on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, until the 20th of November. 'THE HEROES' Chronicles of the Warriors. (No, NOT anime related! ...Well, yes, if you think of Ukiyo-e as anime.)

You can get lost in *endless rooms of pristine quality Ukiyoe, interspersed with rooms of specially chosen sword blades thought to be of interest to the Japanese. Historical and mythological themes are expressed in the Ukiyoe, and these are backed up with blades (tsuba etc.) and their often related stories. The blades were generally well-lit, with some exceptions. Objects from Compton, Weld, Bigelow collections, inter alia.

Exhibits described in both Japanese and English.

The catalog at ￥3,300 was out of reach as I was running low on cash... and weight was also a consideration.

PS Beginning to regret not buying it. 

*10 or 11 rooms.

[Bugyotsuji]

Spot the

 

[Bugyotsuji]

 No-one so far?