Thirty scroll paintings by Itō Jakuchū in the mid 18th century have been lent to the Petit Palais by Japan’s Imperial collection. 
This is only the second time this master has ever been seen outside Japan. The loan is part of a diplomatic initiative to celebrate French/Japanese trade relations. Due to their fragility, the works will only be on show for a month which is a great shame given that Jakuchū (1716–1800) considered one Japan’s greatest artists is so little known in Europe.
At the age of 40, the eccentric Kyoto-based merchant handed over business to his brother and devoted the rest of his life to pursuing his passion for painting, achieving extraordinary technical and aesthetic mastery in the medium. The Colorful Realm series, with its flowers, fish and birds, is considered among the most remarkable examples of Japanese polychrome painting of the 18th century.
From September 15th – October 14th at Le Petit Palais, Paris, France
www.petitpalais.paris.fr
