This exhibition represents the first public exhibition of picture books from the collection of Shigeru Kashima, a scholar of French literature.
Children’s books emerged in France in the middle of the 19th century. The editor Pierre-Jules Hetzel recognizing the talent of many authors and artists, gave life to literary masterpieces for children, such as Jules Verne’s `Voyages Extraordinaires` series. Under the pseudonym P.-J. Stahl, Hetzel himself published the `Mademoiselle Lili` series of books, which were modelled on his own daughter. Accompanied by charming illustrations drawn by Laurenz Frœlich, they became extremely popular.
From the end of the century until the Belle Époque, developments in colour lithography led to the production of picture books adorned with beautifully coloured illustrations. During the Golden Age of Art Deco, attractive and delicate illustrations by Mourice Boute de Monvel, modern picture books in the new Art Deco style by André Hellé, and work by the pioneer of cartoons and animation Benjamin Rabier, attained popularity.
The dawn of the 1930s saw the publication of picture books by Russian-born artist Natalie Parain and Jean de Brunhoff’s world-famous `Hisoire de Babar` series, which are amongst others that are still read to this day.
These works include a benevolent desire for the wholesome and healthy development of children as they grow up. Showcasing a world-class and valuable collection of picture books from the mid-19th century to the Art Deco period, this exhibition offers an introduction to the world of the Golden Age of French picture books.

【Also on view】Walls that Talk: Stories from the Former Prince Asaka Residence