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Photo: the venue and its surroundings (Wikimedia Commons)

Art exhibition in Kyoto

60th Anniversary Special Exhibition II: The Muses Who Modeled for Insho Domoto

A special exhibition celebrating the museum's 60th anniversary, exploring depictions of women that artist Insho Domoto pursued throughout his career.

Dates
Oct 15 (Thu) – Dec 20 (Sun)
Hours
09:30 – 17:00
Venue
Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts
Nearest station
Kitano-Hakubaicho
Admission
Adults ¥600; high school and university students ¥450; visitors aged 65 and over ¥300; junior high school students and younger free
Official website (Japanese)Open in Google Maps

About this event

What did painting women mean to one Japanese artist? This exhibition explores the female figures that Kyoto painter Insho Domoto returned to throughout his career, examining his work through the relationship between artist and model. The second special exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts, it looks beyond physical beauty to explore the deeper dimensions of portraiture. Curator-led gallery talks also offer visitors an opportunity to hear expert insights into the works on display. As you explore the exhibition, consider both the women portrayed and the artistic choices Domoto made in bringing them to life.

Highlights

  • Trace the evolution of Insho Domoto's depictions of women throughout his career
  • The second special exhibition celebrating the museum's 60th anniversary
  • Curator-led gallery talks on November 3 and 28
  • A special opening of the artist's Mountain Studio is planned for November 22
Good for
For visitors interested in portraiture, traditional Japanese painting, and the creative lives of artists associated with Kyoto.

Good to know before you go

  • Gallery talks begin at 2:00 PM on November 3 and 28. No advance registration is required, but an exhibition ticket is necessary.
  • Last admission is at 4:30 PM.
  • The museum will open on November 23 and close the following day, November 24.
  • Visitors aged 65 and over must present official identification to receive the senior discount.
Pochikichi's story corner

Why Did Insho Domoto Keep Painting Women?

Insho Domoto was a Japanese-style painter closely associated with Kyoto. This exhibition focuses on the women who appeared repeatedly in his work. Rather than treating these figures simply as artistic subjects, visitors are invited to consider them through the relationship between the painter and his models.

In Japanese figure painting, portraying a person involves more than capturing a beautiful face or elegant clothing. Posture and expression can reveal an artist's attempt to convey something about human nature. The word 'muse' in the exhibition title also suggests someone whose presence inspires artistic creation.

The Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a series of exhibitions devoted to the artist's work. This is the second installment. Alongside the exhibition, the museum has scheduled curator-led explanations and a special opening of the Mountain Studio, a place connected with Domoto's artistic practice.

Every portrait contains two perspectives: that of the person depicted and that of the person holding the brush. When looking at Domoto's paintings, pay attention not only to the women themselves but also to how the artist chose to portray them.

Sources: Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts — Annual Exhibition Schedule (Japanese), Kyoto City Official Travel Guide — Kyoto Tourism Navi (Japanese)

Long ago, around here

What Was This Part of Kinugasa Like in the Past?

The Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts stands in Hirano Kamiyanagicho, in Kyoto's Kita Ward. Today, it is a cultural institution open to the public, preserving and presenting the paintings and creative legacy of its namesake artist.

Another place worth knowing about in this neighborhood is Domoto's Mountain Studio. Connected to the painter's working life, the studio is scheduled to open to visitors on selected dates following renovation. It offers an opportunity to discover the relationship between an artist and the space in which art was created, something that cannot always be understood from finished paintings alone.

When walking through Kinugasa, look out for both the Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts and the Mountain Studio. Together, these two places offer a fuller picture of the artist's work.

Sources: Kyoto City Official Travel Guide — Kyoto Tourism Navi (Japanese)

FAQ

What is 60th Anniversary Special Exhibition II: The Muses Who Modeled for Insho Domoto?
What did painting women mean to one Japanese artist? This exhibition explores the female figures that Kyoto painter Insho Domoto returned to throughout his career, examining his work through the relationship between artist and model. The second special exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts, it looks beyond physical beauty to explore the deeper dimensions of portraiture. Curator-led gallery talks also offer visitors an opportunity to hear expert insights into the works on display. As you explore the exhibition, consider both the women portrayed and the artistic choices Domoto made in bringing them to life.
When is 60th Anniversary Special Exhibition II: The Muses Who Modeled for Insho Domoto?
From Oct 15 (Thu) to Dec 20 (Sun), 2026.
What are the opening hours?
09:30 – 17:00
How much does it cost?
Adults ¥600; high school and university students ¥450; visitors aged 65 and over ¥300; junior high school students and younger free
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts. The nearest station is Kitano-Hakubaicho.

More in Kyoto

See all events in Kyoto → · This page in Japanese

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