1  The Fabled Amaryllis on Display!

Thanks to recent research, Amaryllis, an oil painting that had been missing for years, has been discovered. Since only about thirty oil paintings by Yumeji are known to exist, this work and its history make it an extremely valuable example of his work. This exhibition is the first public display of this work in Tokyo since its discovery. Many other treasured oil paintings join Amaryllis in this exhibition to explore Yumeji as an oil painter, a less well known aspect of this artist.

2  Exploring Yumeji’s Last Years Through His Sketchbooks, Exhibited for the First Time

Yumeji, late in his life, set out in 1931 for two years of travel throughout the United States and Europe. The first half of the 1930s were a period of rapid development of modern art and urban culture; it was also the disturbing period of the rise of fascism. Yumeji left us many sketches of events he observed during those travels, some of which were left to one of his friends. This exhibition displays his sketchbooks for the first time.

3  Savor the World of Yumeji’s Work in the Residence’s Spaces

Yumeji was inspired, throughout his life, to add flair to people’s lives with art. The setting for this exhibition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, is the former residence of the Prince Asaka family. Its striking features include the varied decorations that adorn its living spaces. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to view the world of Yumeji’s work in the spaces of a residence that embodies beauty in daily life.

4  Still Loved a Century Later—Yumeji’s Charm

In 1914, Yumeji opened his Minatoya Ezoshi store, which sold stationery, including envelopes and decorated notepaper, and other objects that he had designed. The word “kawaii” (lovely, charming, cute) was used in the store’s advertisements to capture the hearts of women of that time and inspire longing for Yumeji’s products. His endearing designs continue to fascinate us today, a century later. In this exhibition, please enjoy Yumeji’s enduring charm, never fading over the years.