William Sturgis Bigelow (1850–1926) is renowned as a prominent art collector who supported Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artists in the Meiji era (1868–1912), and laid the foundation for the Japanese art collection at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of his death. The Buddhist temple Onjo-ji Homyo-in (located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture) served as a lifelong anchor for Bigelow, who was a convert to Buddhism. In addition to some items at the temple that Bigelow treasured, this exhibition consists of hand-painted ukiyo-e and other works from the former Bigelow collection that were brought back to Japan from the U.S. after his death. Also featured are works by artists who Bigelow supported such as Kano Hogai and Hashimoto Gaho, both active on the periphery of the Kangakai group; and countless masterpieces of Japanese art, including Hashimoto’s Autumn Landscape from the former Bigelow’s collection,housed now in the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art. The exhibition also traces the Bigelow’s exploits in Japan.

[National Important Cultural Property]

[DISPLAYED ONLY from Dec. 1 to 13]

Kano Hogai, Avalokitesvara as a Merciful Mother, 1888, Tokyo University of the Arts

[National Important Cultural Property]

[DISPLAYED ONLY from Oct. 30 to Nov. 15]

Kano Hogai, Acalanatha, ca. 1887, Tokyo University of the Arts

Mayeda Kinpu, Lotuses and Swallows, c. 1883, Mayeda-Sokunen-ji

Hours and Admission

October 30-December 13, 2026

10:00-17:00

Open until 20:00 on Fridays

(Last admission; 30 minutes before closing)

Closed on November 2, November 16, November 30, and December 7.

Adults: ¥1,900 (¥1,700)

University students: ¥1,000 (¥800)

High-school students: ¥ 800 (¥600)

Junior high school students and under: Free

*The price in brackets is for an advance ticket and a discount ticket for a group of 20 people and over.

*Including the admission fee for the Collection Galleries.

Exhibition

Organized by Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, The Chunichi Shimbun