Chidō Museum

Overview

The Chidō Museum, a privately-owned museum established in 1896 (Meiji 29), is located in Nanaoka-machi, Yamagata City. The current building, constructed in 1910 (Meiji 43), is renowned as a masterpiece of modern Japanese architecture. This impressive two-story wooden structure features a large gable roof over the main entrance. The museum houses a diverse collection spanning various genres, including modern Western paintings, calligraphy, crafts, and folk materials. It boasts a wealth of invaluable resources crucial for understanding the art history of Yamagata Prefecture from the Meiji to Showa periods. For instance, its collection of modern Western paintings includes works by Seiichiro Saito, a Yamagata-born artist celebrated for his landscape paintings, particularly his evocative depictions of snowy scenes. In calligraphy, the museum features works by Tohaku Sato, another Yamagata native known for his powerful style in both reiho (clerical script) and gyosho (semi-cursive script). The crafts collection showcases Yamagata’s renowned lacquerware and ceramics, prized for their exquisite luster and durability. The Chidō Museum is a must-see destination, offering not only a deep dive into Yamagata’s art history but also the opportunity to appreciate a significant historical building.