久保田一竹美術館 – Kubota Itchiku Museum

Kubota Itchiku (1917-2003) was an artist who single-handedly pursued and revived ,  an ancient kimono silk dying art from the 14th century.  From his early twenties he dedicated his entire life to recreating and mastering the technique after seeing a single fragment of a textile exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum.  He dreamed of owning his own gallery, and so he went practically bankrupt to build what is now known at the Kubota Itchiku Museum.

Everything is per his design, from the entrance gate to the extensive gardens to the Okinawan coral and limestone buildings.  Artworks from various places in Asia and Africa are displayed around the museum grounds.  A waterfall and outdoor stage are located just beside the museum’s reception building where performances are frequently held.

I didn’t quite know what to expect from a visit to this museum as I went on recommendation from a friend.  I was definitely not disappointed.

The first thing to note is that the museum structure itself is a sight to behold all on its own.  Starting with the beautiful and elaborate gate, natural landscaping, and coral-made walls, I would have visited here just to take pictures of the outside.

The main gallery is a wonderful timber frame structure, where the several of Kubota Itchiku’s kimono artworks are hung up not behind glass, but right before viewers’ eyes.   Just as he had always wanted.  The displays alternate so as to preserve the kimono as long as possible. The most famous pieces put on display are the parts of his unfinished masterpiece “Symphony of Light,” that is designed to depict nature, the cosmos, and the seasons in the shape of Mount Fuji.  It’s a massive work that comprises of 80 kimono.  I have never visited a museum quite like this one, where I felt so close to the artwork. Upon entering the main gallery, visitors have the opportunity to view an introduction video (English version is available on request) that details Kubota Itchiku’s amazing life and philosophy, as well as the actual dying process and the history of the museum itself.

This museum is rather small, but it is beautiful and leaves quite an impression.  I definitely recommend taking the time to watch the video guide, as it gives you a lot of context and perspective on both the gallery, the works displayed, and Kubota Itchiku himself.

Vital Information:

• Open: 9:30 to 17:30 (April through November); 10:00 to 16:30 (December through March)

• Closed: Wednesdays from December to March; December 26 to 28

• 1300 yen Admission

• Semi-English Friendly

• Take a retro bus and get off at the Kubota Itchiku Bijutsukan bus stop