Hon’ami Koetsu (1558–1637) was something of a Renaissance man who, during a life spent perfecting Japanese calligraphy, pottery, lacquerwork, swordpolishing and landscape gardening, is also credited with co-founding the Rinpa school of painting. This exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum explores the life and work of a figure who remains comparatively unfamiliar to Western audiences, despite being much-revered in Japan (16 January–10 March). Highlights include Early Winter Rain, a raku-fired teabowl that speaks of Koetsu’s devotion to the tea ceremony and his ability to master techniques across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Find out more from the Tokyo National Museum’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary
Poems by the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets over Paintings of Cranes Calligraphy (17th century), Hon’ami Kōetsu and Tawaraya Sōtatsu. Kyoto National Museum
.jpg?w=790&resize=790%2C421)
Early Winter Rain (17th century), Hon’ami Kōetsu. Nagoya City Museum, Aichi

Hon’ami Kōetsu (17th century), attr. Hon’ami Kōho. Tokyo National Museum
