Tsuzuri Project Donates Facsimile to Kyushu National Museum
On February 4, 2025, the Tsuzuri Project, a collaboration between Canon Inc. and the Kyoto Culture Association (NPO), donated a high-resolution facsimile of the Kano School’s 16th-century masterpiece, “Landscapes, flowers, and trees of the four seasons,” to Kyushu National Museum. According to Canon, this remarkable work, originally painted by Kano Motonobu, is currently held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.
Creating a Beautiful Reproduction
The facsimile was meticulously produced in 2024 using Canon’s EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera for capturing images. Experts then employed Canon’s advanced color matching system and specialized printing techniques. The final touch came from skilled Kyoto artisans who added gold accents and framed the artwork, resulting in an astonishingly accurate reproduction.
Bringing Art Back Home
With the original masterpiece unable to leave the Smithsonian, this facsimile symbolizes a return of cultural heritage to Japan. This donation aligns with the Kyushu National Museum’s philosophy of situating Japanese culture in the broader context of Asia’s history. It marks a significant contribution to the museum as it gears up for its 20th anniversary.
An Opportunity for Public Viewing
Visitors can view this facsimile at the Cultural Exchange Exhibition from February 4 to March 16, 2025. Among other artifacts, a folding-screen painting by master Kano Eitoku and an exquisite lacquer decoration will be on display, illustrating the influences of Chinese culture on Japanese art. Attendees will have the unique chance to photograph the artwork, unobscured by glass, allowing for a personal connection to the piece.
Insight into the Original Artwork
“Landscapes, flowers, and trees of the four seasons” is a folding screen painting reflecting the beauty of Japanese landscapes and seasonal flora, inspired by Muromachi-period traditions. Kano Motonobu successfully blended Yamato-e Japanese styles with traditional Chinese landscape painting, establishing a legacy that influenced the Kano school for centuries.
The Tsuzuri Project’s Mission
Launched in 2007, the Tsuzuri Project aims to preserve Japan’s cultural heritage through high-resolution facsimiles of significant artworks, many of which are not easily accessible. According to Canon, over 60 replicas of works by renowned artists, including Katsushika Hokusai, have been produced and donated to museums and cultural institutions, enhancing public appreciation and education of historic art forms.
According to Canon Inc., the Tsuzuri Project donated a high-resolution facsimile of Kano Motonobu’s “Landscapes, flowers, and trees of the four seasons” to Kyushu National Museum. This reproduction, completed in 2024, will be displayed from February 4 to March 16, 2025, allowing visitors to experience it up close. The project produces art facsimiles to enhance public access to Japan’s cultural heritage.
The Tsuzuri Project’s recent donation to the Kyushu National Museum stands as a bridge between historical art and modern accessibility, allowing greater public engagement with Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This initiative not only commemorates Kano Motonobu’s artistry but also celebrates the enduring legacy of artistic exchange between Japan and China through the centuries.
Original Source: global.canon
