Nihon Bijutsuin
Encyclopedia
is a non-governmental artistic organization in Japan dedicated to Nihonga
Nihonga
or literally "Japanese-style paintings" is a term used to describe paintings that have been made in accordance with traditional Japanese artistic conventions, techniques and materials...

(Japanese style painting). The academy promotes the art of Nihonga through a biennial exhibition, the Inten Exhibition .

History

The Nihon Bijutsuin was founded by Okakura Tenshin at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
or is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Japan. Located in Ueno Park, it also has facilities in Toride, Ibaraki, Yokohama, Kanagawa, and Kitasenju, Adachi, Tokyo...

 in 1898, together with a group of artists, who included Hashimoto Gahō
Hashimoto Gaho
was a Japanese painter, one of the last to paint in the style of the Kanō school.Born in Edo, he studied painting under Kanō Shōsen'in, and was influenced as well by the work of Kanō Hōgai. He created many works in the traditional style of the Kanō school, using color & gold, or otherwise...

, Yokoyama Taikan
Yokoyama Taikan
was the pseudonym of a major figure in Meiji, Taishō and early Shōwa period Japanese painting. He is notable for helping create the Japanese painting technique of Nihonga. His real name was Yokoyama Hidemaro.-Early life:...

, Shimomura Kanzan, Hishida Shunsō
Hishida Shunso
was the pseudonym of a Japanese painter from the Meiji period. One of Okakura Tenshin's pupils along with Yokoyama Taikan and Shimomura Kanzan, he played a role in the Meiji era innovation of Nihonga. His real name was Hishida Miyoji. He was also known for his numerous paintings of cats.- Early...

 and several others, as a reaction against stylistic restrictions of the government-sponsored Bunten
Japan Art Academy
is the highest ranking artistic organization in Japan. The Academy discusses art-related issues, advises the Minister of Education on art-related issues, and promotes art is the highest ranking artistic organization in Japan. The Academy discusses art-related issues, advises the Minister of...

 exhibitions. Nihon Bijutsuin moved with Okakura Tenshin to Izura, Ibaraki (now the city of Ibaraki
Ibaraki, Ibaraki
is a town located in Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki, Japan.The town was set to merge with Mito, Ibaraki on December 8, 2007, but following the election of a new mayor in April 2007, these plans were abandoned....

) in 1906. However, Okakura was soon recruited by Ernest Francisco Fenollosa to assist in his efforts to introduce Chinese and Japanese arts to the western world via the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the largest museums in the United States, attracting over one million visitors a year. It contains over 450,000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the Americas...

, and soon lost interest in guiding the new organization. When Okakura died in 1913, the group dissolved.

Nihon Bijutsuin was resurrected a year later in 1914 under Yokoyama Taikan, who relocated it back to Yanaka, Tokyo. In 1920, separate sections were established for Japanese sculpture
Japanese sculpture
The sculpture of Japan started from the clay figure. Japanese sculpture received the influence of the Silk Road culture in the 5th century, and received a strong influence from Chinese sculpture afterwards. The influence of the Western world was received since the Meiji era. The sculptures were...

 and for western-style (yōga painting
Yoga (art)
or literally "Western-style paintings" is a term used to describe paintings by Japanese artists that have been made in accordance with Western traditional conventions, techniques and materials...

), These separate sections were abolished in 1960, and currently the Institute is currently devoted exclusively to Nihonga painting.

Nihon Bijutsuin should not be confused with the Japan Art Academy
Japan Art Academy
is the highest ranking artistic organization in Japan. The Academy discusses art-related issues, advises the Minister of Education on art-related issues, and promotes art is the highest ranking artistic organization in Japan. The Academy discusses art-related issues, advises the Minister of...

 or the Japan Academy of Arts, which are completely different organizations.

Inten Exhibitions

The most important function of Nihon Bijutsuin is the organization and promotion of the biennial fine arts exhibitions. The Spring Exhibition is held in early April, for two weeks at the Mitsukoshi
Mitsukoshi
is an international department store chain with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Mitsukoshi Ltd. has amalgamated with Isetan Co.,Ltd ,and changed company name to Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd.- History :...

 Department Store in Tokyo, followed by a tour around Japan for four months, at ten different locations. The sizes of the works which can be displayed is fixed at under 150 x 75 cm for rectangular works and under 106 x 106 cm for square works.

The Fall Exhibition is held in September for two weeks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
The is an art museum in Tokyo, Japan. It is located in Ueno Park.-External links:**...

, followed by a year-long tour to 10 different locations around Japan. The Fall Exhibition contains larger works, with 225 x 180 cm as the upper limit.
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