The National Palace Museum Southern Branch officially opened its exhibition 'The Beauty of Edo Ukiyo' today, celebrating its tenth anniversary. The exhibition, featuring a total of 218 artifacts including ukiyo-e prints, folding screens, handscrolls, and illustrated books, will officially commence tomorrow. Among these, 150 pieces are borrowed from domestic and international collections while 68 are from the museum's own collection, vividly depicting the splendor of Tokyo during the Edo period. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical charm of ancient Tokyo until August 31. The opening ceremony was attended by NPM Director Hsiao Tsung-huang, representatives from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association including Katayama Kazuyuki, Chiayi County Mayor Weng Zhangliang, Vice Chairman of Soka Gakkai Taiwan Executive Hsu Yu-chu, representatives from Taiwan High-Speed Rail, and various museum directors from lending institutions such as Tokyo Fuji Art Museum and the Idemitsu Museum of Arts.
Director Hsiao remarked that this exhibition represents a significant opportunity for international exchange as part of the museum's century-long history and the Southern Branch's decade-long journey. He expressed gratitude for the trust and support from nine collaboration units in Japan and two domestic lending institutions. The exhibition showcases the cultural landscape of Tokyo and its vital role in the East Asian art scene through four thematic sections: 'Flowing Prosperity', 'City Times', 'Travel Fun', and 'Cross-Border Communication'.
Katayama Kazuyuki highlighted the long-standing friendship built on cultural and artistic exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, hopeful for future collaborations. The focal point of the exhibition includes a panoramic view of 17th-century Edo as featured in the 'Edo Famous Places Screen' from the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, measuring nearly 1,000 centimeters. This piece, a rare hand-painted treasure and designated an Important Cultural Property in Japan, will be on display until June 15. With upcoming festivities like Dragon Boat Festival and summer vacation, themes such as exorcism, family enjoyment, and yōkai legends will feature in the exhibition.