Experience the beauty and harmony of the seasons in Japanese art at the upcoming SHIKI: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art exhibition at the Sturt Haaga Gallery in Descanso Gardens, California. The exhibit will run from February 18 to May 21, 2023, and is sponsored by Sturt Haaga Galleries Descanso Gardens.
With its rich literary and visual vocabulary, the exhibit brings together the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese people from centuries ago to showcase the unique representation of the seasons in Japanese art. The seasonal motifs are reflected in everyday objects and embellish clothing, accessories, and other items. The exhibition features common seasonal motifs, such as a bowl with wisteria blossoms and maple leaves embellishing a kimono.
The natural elements are stylized to heighten the ornamental effect when used as decorative motifs. This modest, refined simplicity is regarded as the highest form of beauty. In addition to the art, the exhibit presents traditional Japanese poetry, including the waka, practiced by members of the Imperial Court around the 7th century AD, and the haiku, created in the 17th century.
As stated by curator Meher McArthur, “In all of these, natural and seasonal imagery have reigned supreme, imbuing these short verses with not only the beauty of nature but also the mood and sensibilities long associated with the natural realm.”
This exhibition from the Scripps College collection in Claremont, California, is a wonderful opportunity to discover the importance of nature in the everyday lives of the Japanese. Admission to the exhibit is free with the price of admission to Descanso Gardens. For more information, visit the link provided or call 818-949-4200.
