The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono from a Private Collection
Eagle
Signed artist name MUNEYOSHI (given name TANAKA Tadayoshi; ? – 1958)
Early 1900s
Iron
Open to the Public: Tuesday, April 29- Sunday, September 28, 2025
A captivating new exhibition showcasing jizai okimono—intricately crafted movable sculptures. The 19 sculptures in this exhibition are quite unusual. They represent the shift from warrior-rule in the Edo period (1603-1868) to a constitutional monarchy in the Meiji period (1868-1912). These works of art were traditionally made by armorers. However, as the ruling shoguns were able to maintain peace for over 300 years, there were fewer and fewer requests for new armor. In order to maintain their skill and precision, the metalsmiths of the mid-Edo period turned to more artistic endeavors – creating jizai okimono. Ji-zai (自在), means articulated or movable; and oki-mono (置物) are decorative objects. The works are realistic representations of animals and mythical beasts with joints that allow full range of motion. The art objects quickly became collectors’ items outside of Japan.
This exhibition is partially Funded by The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation and Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation