Imagine stepping into a realm where East Asian artistry whispers tales of bygone eras. This is the Seikado Bunko Art Museum. It’s not just a museum, it is a portal to a world curated by visionaries.
Yanosuke Iwasaki, the second president of Mitsubishi, laid the museum’s foundation. “Seikado” was his studio name. In the 1890s, he began amassing a treasure trove of artworks and manuscripts. His son, Koyata Iwasaki, Mitsubishi’s fourth president, continued this legacy.
Koyata established The Seikado Foundation in 1940. He unveiled the Seikado Bunko Library. It held 80000 Japanese volumes and 120000 Chinese volumes. In 1992, the museum galleries opened to commemorate the collection’s centennial.
Originally in Setagaya, Tokyo, the Seikado Bunko Art Museum moved its gallery to Meiji Seimei Kan in Chiyoda in October 2022. However, the foundation still manages its collection in Setagaya. The museum now stands as a testament to the Iwasaki family’s dedication to preserving East Asian art.
Within the Seikado Bunko Museum reside 200000 classic books and 6500 East Asian cultural artifacts. As of September 2023, seven items are designated National Treasures. Eighty-four are Important Cultural Properties. This collection holds an esteemed position among Japan’s private collections.
The museum has four small galleries. They host only a few thematic exhibitions each year. Therefore, only a fraction of the collection is on display. Yet each piece tells a story.
The collection spans books and calligraphy. It includes paintings and prints, lacquer art, and ceramics. Tea ceremony utensils, stationary, and swords grace the halls. You can also find Buddhist sculptures and archaeological objects.
Think of holding a centuries-old tea bowl. Envision the delicate brushstrokes on a hanging scroll. The Seikado Bunko Art Museum offers a rare glimpse into the artistic soul of East Asia. Each visit reveals something new.
Now, as you leave Seikado Bunko Art Museum remember the legacy of the Iwasaki family. They shared their passion with the world. May the beauty and history you encountered here linger long after you depart.