Modern Japanese Military Art

This installation occurred in the past. The archival installation summary below describes the installation as it was conceived while on view.

Modern Japanese Military Art introduces various art forms that reflect the militarized outlook of the Empire of Japan between 1894 and 1947. The items displayed include paintings in the form of folding screens and hanging scrolls, color woodblock prints, figural objects, and a garment. Each demonstrates how traditional media of visual and textile art could be adapted to support war efforts.

Military subjects have a long history of representation in Japanese art. Prior to and during the Edo period (1615–1868), the imagery of war was essentially confined to domestic battles between feudal lords. This changed after Japan began modernizing during the Meiji period (1868–1912), when international wars of increasing scope became new subjects for artists.

A highlight of the installation is a recently rediscovered pair of folding screens painted by Fukuda Bisen from about 1940. At first glance, the screens appear to depict a benign winter landscape, but close inspection reveals Japanese military planes and a camel convoy during a campaign in northern China. Perhaps the most unexpected image on view is a 1947 color woodblock print depicting United States General Douglas MacArthur. On September 2, 1945, MacArthur officially accepted the surrender of Japan while aboard the USS Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay. He oversaw the occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1951.

All works in this exhibition were given to the Museum or funded by Charles and Rosalyn Lowenhaupt, whose exceptional collection of nearly 1,500 Japanese military-themed art objects have greatly enriched the Museum on an ongoing basis since 2004.

Modern Japanese Military Art is curated by Philip Hu, curator of Asian art.

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