Japanese Art in the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum

   

     The University of Miami in Dade County has a wonderful exhibition of Japanese art in the Lowe Art Museum.  The exhibition presents the Edo and Meiji periods (1615- 1912). The Japanese culture in those years is expressed through paintings and sculptures.  For example, “Folding Screen: Cranes” from late 18th to 19th century Edo Period by Kano School reveals a group a cranes relaxing by the waters of a lake. They inspire peace and tranquility. Another piece that impressed me was Netsuke: Clam’s Dream” by Kaigyokusai  Masatsugu” (1813-1892). It is a city engraved in a shell.  It is surprising how the author was able to meticulously carve the city in a small conch. Both pieces were handmade.  Finally, the Japanese woodblock prints surprise for their delicacy even though it is considered a rustic art. To illustrate, Sawamura Tossho II as Saemon Shigeuji by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786-1864) is a very impressive work of art that captures the facial expression and feelings, if we look deeply, of a Japanese man in a particular situation. It was made with natural colors. In conclusion, I recommend to everybody to visit the Lowe Art Museum of the University of Miami to discover a new culture and to learn from them.