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Miho’s Merciful Mother Kannon
Dated 1994
Woven by Kawashima Selkon Textiles Co., Ltd
Exhibited from April 20 to May 23


This tapestry is based on the last painting of the renowned Meiji-period artist Kanō Hōgai (1828–1888), Hibo Kannon (Compassion Mother Avalokitesvara), which is said to be his masterpiece. The present work faithfully reproduces the decorative and grand expression of the original painting using modern-day weaving techniques. Over 4500 colors were used and emphasis was placed on the brightness and variation of colors, while adhering to the original painting. Also, much thought went into creating a sacredness in the “light” shining from the Pure Land. In this way, this work can also be called the “Kannon, merciful mother of Light” and represents Hōgai’s lifework that has been transformed into a new format through weaving.

Pair of Sake Decanters with Weeping Cherries in Makie
Japan, Momoyama period, 16th century
Miho’s Merciful Mother Kannon
Both decanters are decorated with a single weeping cherry tree on each. The trunks that twist powerfully to the left and right create gentle curves along the vessels and the blossoms hang beautifully as though a solitary tree stands there.
Pair of Sake Decanters with Weeping Cherries in Makie



Exhibition from Saturday, March 13 to Sunday, June 6, 2010

Organized by MIHO MUSEUM and Kyoto Shimbun Co., Ltd.

With the cooperation of Shiga Prefecture, Shiga Prefectural Board of Education, NHK Broadcasting Otsu Office, and Biwako Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Closed on Mondays (except open on March 22 and May 3 and closed on March 23 and May 6)

Museum hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.)

Crossing Many Rivers into the Forest Again (series of eighteen panels)
 by Isamu Wakabayashi
Crossing Many Rivers into the Forest Again(series of eighteen panels) by Isamu Wakabayashi (1936–2003), dated 1986



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