Exhibition

We will simultaneously hold the following two exhibitions as our 2026 Summer Exhibition.

◆【Main Building 2F】　《Hatakeyama Collection》
Stories Behind the Names of Tea Utensils

◇Stories Behind the Names of Tea Utensils
This exhibition focuses on the stories behind masterpieces of tea ceremony utensils that have been cherishingly preserved and passed down through the ages. Tea masters, with deep respect and affection for each of these one-of-a-kind utensils, bestowed upon them special names known as “銘 mei.” The term “銘 mei” refers to the alternative names given to exceptional tea utensils. These names, inscribed on the utensils themselves or on their storage boxes, serve to convey the intellectual playfulness and aesthetic sensibilities of those who loved tea utensils to people living today. Here we would explore the theme of “Why was this particular inscription chosen for this piece?” and introduces the stories hidden within these tea utensils. Works traditionally considered ideal for hospitality that evokes a sense of coolness during the hot summer months are also displayed. We hope you would enjoy viewing the exhibition as if you had been invited to a tea ceremony unique to this season.

◆【Annex Building】
An Invitation to Abstraction and Beauty: Masaaki Yamada-Selected Works from Private Collections

◇An Invitation to Abstraction and Beauty: Masaaki Yamada―Selected Works from Private Collections
From Ultimate Abstraction to Ultimate Realism: A Vivid Relay of Two Artistic Expressions

This two-part summer exhibition series presents two contrasting modes of artistic expression. Centered on the theme “From Abstraction to Realism,” the series introduces the richness and diversity of contemporary art.
Part I invites visitors into the world of abstract painting by Masaaki Yamada (1929–2010). Organized around themes such as grids, stripes, and the texture of paint itself, the exhibition offers an intuitive approach to abstract art, which is often regarded as difficult to understand at first glance. By tracing Yamada’s artistic journey chronologically—from his early still lifes to the vibrant colors of his later years—the exhibition creates a narrative experience that helps even first-time viewers naturally discover the appeal of abstract painting.