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A special art exhibition dedicated to important people in the life of poet and painter Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934) is currently underway in Tokyo.

Perhaps no other Japanese artist’s work is more symbolic of the cultural stylings of Japan’s Taisho period (1912-1926) than that of Yumeji Takehisa. Takehisa’s paintings, drawn in the traditional nihonga style, perfectly encapsulate themes of romantic love, family, and feminine beauty in the early 20th century, all of which came to be embodied by the term “Taisho Romance.”

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The Takehisa Yumeji Museum (named in the Japanese style with his family name first) located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo offers different exhibitions dedicated to the life and art of the popular artist every three months. The current exhibition, which is open to the public from January 3 to March 27, emphasizes the various people who Takehisa encountered throughout his lifetime by means of his artwork and is titled “The People Surrounding Yumeji–Family, Friends, and Lovers…Records of Taisho Romance and Friendship–.”

▼ A promotional poster for the exhibition and a sample of the approximately 200 works on display

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While the museum’s website includes a full list of the various people who appear within the exhibit, some examples of Takehisa’s contemporaries include writer Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, graphic artist/fashion designer Jun’ichi Nakahara, and author Akiko Yosano.

If you’re looking for something to do on an upcoming rainy day in Tokyo, what better way to while away the time than with these lovely paintings depicting Taisho Romance?

Museum Information
Takehisa Yumeji Museum / 竹久夢二美術館
Address: Toyko-to, Bunkyo-ku, Yayoi 2-4-2
東京都文京区弥生2-4-2
Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Admission: 900 yen (US$8), (university and high school students 800 yen, junior high school and elementary school students 400 yen)
Website

Source: Japaaan
Top image: Takehisa Yumeji Museum (edited by RocketNews24)
Images: Takehisa Yumeji Museum