嵯峨嵐山文華館

Current Exhibition

Current Exhibition

Haiku and Haiga: The Charisma of Two Poets, Bashō and Buson

2024年10月12日(土) - 2025年01月19日(日)

When haiku is mentioned, the names Matsuo Bashō and Yosa Buson probably spring to mind. This exhibition introduces a number of outstanding works of haiku and haiga (paintings depicted together with haiku), including the "Furuikeya" tanzaku strip (famous frog poem), which was handwritten by Bashō himself, the the Manuscript Scroll of Nozaraishi Kikō [Weather-beaten Bones Travelogue] also written and illustrated by himself, and the "Ikaidashi no" (haiku and painting) written and handpainted by Buson. This exhibition is a fitting tribute to Arashiyama, a place associated with these two charismatic figures.

企画展

Overview of the Exhibition

Water old and still / a frog somewhere leaps / a liquid sound

This haiku is widely known as a synonym for haiku since the Edo period and is the most famous haiku written by Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694). Nowadays, haiku are known all around the world. In Japan, haiku are used for teaching in schools. Meanwhile, TV programs and other media solicit and appreciate haiku. This popularity is owed to Matsuo Bashō, who elevated haiku to the level of an art
form.

A haiga, on a single sheet, combines a haiku and a relevant picture. Many haiku poets, including Bashō, accompanied their poems with illustration. The haiga created by Yosa Buson (1716–1783) are particularly outstanding. Rather than attempting literal depiction of the haiku content, he painted ingenious illustrations intended to stimulate the viewer’s imagination.
As well as a tanzaku strip of Bashō’s famous frog poem, the exhibition will also feature the Manuscript Scroll of Nozaraishi Kikō [Weather-beaten Bones Travelogue], written and illustrated by Bashō himself, Yosa Buson's original haiga of "Ikadashi no"; with the Self-inscription (Rafter), and other
fine haiga created by Buson's disciples and contemporaries.

This exhibition is a great opportunity both for haiku fans to deepen their appreciation and for anyone who wants to explore the links between haiku and painting.

Exhibition Information

TitleHaiku and Haiga: The Charisma of Two Poets, Bashō and Buson
DatesOctober 12 (Sat.) 2024 to January 19 (Sun.), 2025
*Some changes to the scrolls on display from December 4
ClosedDecember 3 (Tue.)
December 30 (Mon.) to January 1 (Wed.)
Opening Hours10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
Admission FeeGeneral / University student: ¥1000 (¥900)
High school student: ¥600 (¥500)
Elementary / Junior high school student: ¥400 (¥350)
Disabled person and up to one helper: ¥600 (¥500)

* Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more
* Free for preschool children
OrganizerSaga Arashiyama Museum of Arts & Culture
Supported byKyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto City Board of Education,
Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Related documentsFlyer
List of Works

Artist Introduction

Matsuo Bashō, Yoas Buson, Morikawa Kyoriku, Goshun, Ryōsen, Ikeda Yōson

Artwork