Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers: Yoshitoshi’s Complete 100 Aspects of the Moon February 22–May 3, 2020
FOCUS EXHIBITIONS
Be sure to also enjoy these Focus Exhibitions while visiting the museum!
Works by Daniel Blau
On view through April 19
Daniel Blau (American, 1894–1973), SelfPortrait, 1933, red conté crayon on paper. Bequest of the artist, 1973.143
One of the founders of the DAI, the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, and the Dayton Society of Etchers, Blau was an active part of the Dayton arts scene in the first half of the twentieth century. The 24 paintings, prints and drawings currently on view are a selection of the more than 50 works the artist bequeathed to the museum.
Photographs from the Collection On view through April 19
Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers: Yoshitoshi's Complete 100 Aspects of the Moon provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see all 100 works in Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s (1839–1892) epic series! The exhibition is an exceptional opportunity provided by the DAI’s recent acquisition of a rare complete album set, and a fitting conclusion to the museum’s 2019–2020 centennial celebrations. One of the outstanding series in the history of Japanese woodblock prints, Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon is also the culmination of the artist’s career. Issued
as individual prints from 1885–1892, the series is a tour-de-force, combining diverse, striking designs with dramatic historical and mythical stories from Japan’s past, including samurai warriors and court ladies. The prints depict Shakespearean emotion—heroism and humor, love and loss, mystery and magic—and linking them all is the presence of the moon. Together, they form a concentrated introduction to Japanese culture, including its history, aesthetics, music, literature, performing arts, religions and festivals. A selection of works from the DAI’s Japanese collection, as
Charles Matter (American, 1947–2019), Block Island, 1969, from the portfolio Photographs from the Rhode Island School of Design, gelatin silver photograph, printed 1970. Gift of the Rhode Island School of Design, 1978.26.18
well as other loans of swords, helmets and rare samurai suits, will further enhance the experience of these endlessly fascinating masterpieces of Japanese art.
Swashbuckling Samurai
On view through May 10
A suite of related programs will encourage visitors to further connect with the artworks in meaningful ways. Go to daytonartinstitute. org/samurai for more about the exhibition. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #SamuraiDAI. Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers is organized by the Dayton Art Institute and is its exclusive venue.
The DAI houses over 10,000 photographic objects and serves as the largest repository of photographs by Dayton pictorialist Jane Reece. This exhibition features rarely seen images and new acquisitions, and it demonstrates the scope of the DAI’s collection.
Utagawa Hiroshige I (Japanese, 1797– 1858), Night Attack, about 1843–1847, from the series The Treasury of Loyal Retainers, woodblock print, ink and color on paper. Gift of Miss Annie Campbell, 1947.101.8
The Treasury of Loyal Retainers is a fictionalized account of one of the most famous stories in Japanese history, the 47 ronin (masterless samurai) who avenged their master’s death. Through a selection of prints from the DAI’s collection, follow the adventure and drama of this epic story.
In the Company of Friends: The Kettering and Patterson Legacy On view through May 2020 TOP LEFT: Dawn moon and tumbling snow – Kobayashi Heihachirō, 1889, 2019.9.89 CENTER: Mount Yoshino midnight-moon – Iga no Tsubone, 1886, 2019.9.71 RIGHT: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japanese, 1839–1892), Change E flees to the moon, 1885, woodblock print, ink and color on paper. Museum purchase with funds provided by Jack Graef Jr., Linda Stein, Susan Shettler and their families in memory of Jack and Marilyn Graef, 2019.9.83 ABOVE: Japan (Edo period, 1615–1868), Nimaido gusoku armor, 19th century, iron, silk, lacing, lacquer, copper, gold, silver, leather, horse hair. The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection, photo by Brad Flowers
Explore how Virginia W. Kettering and the Honorable Jefferson Patterson played a key role in shaping the DAI’s Asian collection. The exhibition features rarely seen works from the DAI’s collection. China (Northern Song (960–1127)–Jin (1115– 1234) dynasties), Bowl, Jun ware, 12th century, glazed stoneware. Museum purchase with funds provided by the Honorable Jefferson Patterson, 1963.32