temporary exhibition

New forms of representation became evaluable in Japan with the introduction of new printing technology from the West in the Meiji era (1868-1912). Novel forms of pictorial expression also came to Japan with the introduction of modern styles of painting mainly from Europe.

Edoardo Chiossone, a painter and engraver from Italy, was offered to work in Japan by the Ministry of Finance in 1875. In his new position he sculpted original plates for bills and stamps, trained pupils, introduced printing and engraving technologies from the West, and laid the foundations for modern printing in Japan.

Antonio Fontanesi, a fellow Italian, was appointed as a teacher of Western style painting at the nearby Imperial College of Engineering at about the same time. Fontanesi decided to return to Europe midway through his tenure, so his time in Japan was much shorter than Chiossone's. Yet Fontanesi's disciples became key persons in the Meiji art world and were influential in the development of modern printing.

This exhibition presents printing works by the disciples educated by Chiossone and Fontanesi, two government advisors invited to Japan from Italy.