Blog | HPRG Ôtsu-e: popular paintings of Japan exhibition at the Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris until 15th June 2019 – Hotels Paris Rive Gauche Blog

Ôtsu-e: popular paintings of Japan exhibition at the Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris until 15th June 2019

Ôtsu-e are stencil paintings from Japan’s Edo era. This new exhibition close to our hotels is the first in Europe to show and explore them, with over 120 pieces on display.

Exposition Ôtsu-e : peintures populaires du Japon à la Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris jusqu'au 15 juin 2019
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The popular but little-known art of Ôtsu-e developed near Kyoto between the early 17th and mid-19th centuries. Originally taking religion as its theme, over time humorous elements were introduced.

The paintings became very popular and were sold to pilgrims and travellers on the road from Kyoto to what is now Tokyo.

Exposition Ôtsu-e : peintures populaires du Japon à la Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris jusqu'au 15 juin 2019
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While forgotten for many years, the 1920s saw renewed interest in the images. Many of those on show come from the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, others are from the personal collections of Miró and Picasso.

Some of the exhibits are being shown to the public for the first time.

Exposition Ôtsu-e : peintures populaires du Japon à la Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris jusqu'au 15 juin 2019
All rights reserved

In addition to the Ôtsu paintings, you’ll also see ancient statuettes and illustrated books, ukiyo-e engravings and a selection of paintings by famous artists of the 18th-20th centuries.

If you have a good grasp of French, you may like to attend a guided visit of the exhibition given by one of the curators, Christophe Marquet. These are free with your ticket (booking obligatory) on 16th & 23rd May at 6.30pm.

The website of la Maison de la culture du Japon also has a page listing other resources related to the exhibition, including a long article by Christophe Marquet.

A small presentation in the entrance to the building will also introduce you to the town of Ôtsu, where the tradition of the images continues to this day.

The exhibition Ôtsu-e: popular paintings of Japon is at the Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris (here) until 15th June 2019

Open Tuesday-Saturday, midday-8pm

Admission: 5€ / 3€ (online booking here)

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