Ukiyo-e, Emakimono, Art

Database of Postcards from Art Exhibitions held in pre-war Japan

Description

Database of images of postcards collected by Nichibunken showing the works shown at art exhibitions in Japan beginning with the first state art exhibition held in 1907 under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, known as “Bunten” (Monbushō Bijitsu Tenrankai); from the “Teiten” (Teikoku Bijutsuin Tenrankai) exhibitions reorganized from 1919 by the Imperial Academy of Arts; from exhibitions known as “Shinbunten” (New Bunten) held by the Ministry of Culture from 1937 (following the reorganization of the Imperial Academy of Arts); and also from exhibitions of the non-governmental “Nikakai” (Nika Association), a society of independent artists organized in 1914.

In order to provide reference information on the background and circumstances surrounding the holding of the exhibitions, the database also includes some of the catalogues of the exhibitions.

Currently the database makes available postcards from the first through twelfth Bunten exhibitions and the first through tenth Teiten exhibitions, and will be updated regularly with further additions.

All the images provided are those for which the copyright protection period has expired.

Data Count: 4,172 items (As of May 2025)

Viewing this database

Please access the following link.

[ Attention ]

Materials included in the Nichibunken database may contain cruel or discriminatory language and be considered inappropriate by today's standards. These historical materials have been made available for research purposes in their original form, without any alteration or modification. Use of these materials necessitates recognition of their provision as an historical and academic resource.