Pongee kimono in spring-like colors on display (Otsu City, The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga Prefecture)

An exhibition entitled "Four Seasons of Clothing and Arrangements: Dyeing and Weaving Works of Fukumi Shimura and Masterpieces of Japanese Style Paintings and Crafts," sponsored by Kyoto Shimbun and others, showing works with the theme of the "Beauty of Four Seasons" by artists connected to Shiga Prefecture was launched in The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga in Otsu City on April 6.

On display is a collection of works expressing natural beauty that the Japanese have incorporated into everyday life as "dresses" or "decorations." Centered on kimono made of pongee, a soft, thin cloth woven from raw silk, by Fukumi Shimura, a Living National Treasure, a total of 170 items will be displayed, including iron-glazed pottery by the late Uichi Shimuzu, also designated a Living National Treasure, Japanese paintings and bamboo art crafts. Around more than 100 items will be displayed at the same time with dyed textiles and Japanese paintings on display in turn.

The exhibit consists of four sections: spring, summer, fall and winter. In "Spring," works such glamorous, pink kimono or items with a cherry blossom theme are featured. Works providing a sense of each season's hues and themes are also lined up for "Summer," "Fall" and "Winter." The first half runs until May 19 and the second half runs from May 21 to June 30. The museum is closed on Mondays, except for April 29 and May 6. There is an admission fee. A free lecture will be given by Shimura and her daughter on May 18.