In a corner of the Bikan Historical Area, “Ohara House Katalyzer (Former Ohara Family Residence)” is both a tranquil space and a building designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
It is also a recommended sightseeing spot, and a special exhibition will be held for a limited time this year (2024) as well.
“Garden of Compassion,” the breakthrough work by Western-style painter Kojima Torajiro, is held by the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan. On display will be a number of letters from Kojima Torajiro to Ohara Magosaburo, recounting the circumstances from the creation of the work to its purchase by the Imperial Household Ministry (as it was then).
Letters describing the creation process of Torajiro’s representative works “Waterwheel in the Village” and “Going to School” will also be on display.
The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in July 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of the Special Exhibition: Letters Left in the Ohara Family Collection—Letters from Student Kojima Torajiro
It seems that many historical materials lie in the Ohara House collection, including tens of thousands of letters. Among this vast collection, letters from scholarship recipient Kojima Torajiro to his benefactor, Ohara Magosaburo, will be exhibited.
This special exhibition offers a glimpse into the creation process of the breakthrough work “Garden of Compassion” and the representative works “Waterwheel in the Village” and “Going to School.”
The exhibits are in two locations: Nakakura (2), where materials related to Ohara Magosaburo are displayed at the Ohara House, and Uchinakakura, adjoining the book cafe.
Nakakura (2) Exhibit: Letters on the Creation Process of the Breakthrough Work “Garden of Compassion”
The letters displayed in Nakakura (2) at the Ohara House are those sent to Ohara Magosaburo, covering the period from the decision to create the breakthrough work “Garden of Compassion” through its purchase by the Imperial Household Ministry.
Letters from the Meiji period can generally be difficult to decipher.
Even so, knowing what they are about can make simply viewing the materials enjoyable.
So, what exactly is “Garden of Compassion,” mentioned in the letters featured in this special exhibition? Here is a brief introduction.
“Garden of Compassion” is a painting currently held by the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan.
It was painted by Kojima Torajiro and depicts the Okayama Orphanage.
The work was exhibited at the Tokyo Industrial Exhibition in March 1907, and was purchased by Emperor Meiji.
This led to Torajiro going to Europe to study.
If Torajiro had not gone to Europe, he might not have collected paintings, and the present-day Ohara Museum of Art might not exist.
In that sense, it truly was his “breakthrough work.”
The letters describe Torajiro’s struggles with creating his work, the assessment of his mentor Kuroda Seiki, and his own harsh self-criticism.
Uchinakakura Exhibit: Letters on the Creation Process of the Representative Works “Waterwheel in the Village” and “Going to School”
On display in Uchinakakura are letters about the creation process of Kojima Torajiro’s representative works “Waterwheel in the Village” and “Going to School.”
In both cases, he wrote to Ohara Magosaburo about his thoughts and process in creating the works. The representative works “Waterwheel in the Village” and “Going to School” can be viewed in Okayama.
- Waterwheel in the Village: Collection of the Ohara Museum of Art
- Going to School: Collection of the Nariwa Museum
“Waterwheel in the Village” was painted in the basin of the Nariwa River, which is also Kojima Torajiro’s hometown. It depicts a woman holding a small child inside a watermill, with a young woman sitting beside her.
“Going to School” depicts two young women, but it was also Kojima Torajiro’s graduation work and is said to be the culmination of his studies at art school.
The work was painted on the theme “For the Weak,” and Torajiro is said to have completed it only after much struggle.
Curator Hiroshi Mizushima, who helped with the interview, also spoke about Kojima Torajiro’s representative work “Going to School,” noting that it was actually “Coming Home from School,” not “Going to School.”
If it was “Coming Home from School,” why was it titled “Going to School”? It made me even more curious.
Why Letters from Kojima Torajiro Were Chosen as the Theme
A vast amount of materials and documents remain in the Ohara family collection. They are continually organized and researched, and are regularly made public at Ohara House Katalyzer.
I spoke with Mr. Mizushima about this year’s (2024) special exhibition.
Why did you choose “Letters from Student Kojima Torajiro” from among the many materials?
Mizushima (name omitted)
This is our fourth letter exhibition, and there are many letters from Kojima Torajiro—more than 200. Many people know about him, so he is relatively easy to feature.
There is also a special exhibition currently being held at the Ohara Museum of Art, where the first painting visitors see after entering is Kojima Torajiro’s “Waterwheel in the Village.” Since they are here, we wanted visitors to see the letters about the creation of the work as well, so we chose this theme.
What are the highlights of this special exhibition?
Mizushima
“Waterwheel in the Village” and “Garden of Compassion” were both exhibited at the Tokyo Industrial Exhibition. They are among Kojima Torajiro’s representative works, and “Garden of Compassion” was his breakthrough work.
The letters describe the criticism of his mentor Kuroda Seiki and Kojima Torajiro’s own harsh self-assessment as he worked on the pieces for his benefactor, Ohara Magosaburo. I hope you will take a look.
From the Writer
Most of the works from overseas at the Ohara Museum of Art were acquired by Kojima Torajiro.
His extraordinary talent may have gradually emerged through his artistic work as a student at the Tokyo Fine Arts School (now Tokyo University of the Arts), shaped by advice from his mentor Kuroda Seiki, his own struggles, and his relationship with his benefactor, Ohara Magosaburo.
Mr. Mizushima said that although it is a special exhibition, some people may find it difficult because it consists of old documents. However, after viewing the paintings and artworks, you may find them fascinating.
The back of the pamphlet also includes explanations, which should make it easy to understand. A seminar where you can hear Mr. Mizushima’s commentary will be held on Saturday, July 13, so be sure to visit along with the special exhibition.
Articles about Ohara House Katalyzer
Ohara House Katalyzer Special Exhibition Information
| Name | Ohara House Katalyzer Special Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Dates | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. *Last admission is at 4:30 p.m. |
| Location | 1-2-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Special exhibition admission: viewing is included with the admission fee |
| Website | Ohara House Katalyzer Special Exhibition Information |
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