Toyooka City Museum "Kiyonaga Ito Memorial Hall"

Overview

This museum houses and exhibits the works of Kiyonaga Ito, a Western painter from Izushi-cho, Toyooka City. Kiyonaga Ito, a recipient of the prestigious Culture Medal, is known for his elegant nudes rendered with delicate, layered color lines. You can appreciate his works, ranging from his childhood sketches to his masterpieces from his later years. Ito was an active painter mainly in the Hakujikai and Nitten exhibitions, and his works, often described as "luminescent nudes," are known for their powerful yet delicate expression. Throughout his nearly 70-year career, he consistently pursued the expression of feminine beauty, developing a unique style characterized by its vibrancy and warmth that captivates viewers. The memorial hall exhibits Ito's representative works, including nudes and roses, along with precious materials such as an easel inherited from Seiki Kuroda and a palette used by Tsuguharu Foujita. The museum also hosts 2-3 special exhibitions a year, serving as a venue for the "Izushi Ceramics Triennale," a juried exhibition of ceramics, providing opportunities to explore art from various perspectives. Conveniently located near the famous "Tatsumori-rou" clock tower, it's an easy stop to make. While strolling through the streets of Izushi, why not experience the world-class artistry Japan has to offer?