The construction of Art Museum of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music was completed in May, 1999. In commemorating the grand opening of the museum, the exhibition of selected masterpieces from the museum is held for two months from October 5 to December 5. It was called as "The origin of modern Japanese arts." I went there this afternoon. The museum was built compact and simple and not as magnificent as those museums built recently by local governments.

When I saw many true works at the front of my eyes which were familiar with me from days of primary school student on textbooks or art books, I was more than excited. The "Illustrated sutra of past and present karma"(a National Treasure), shown in below, was bought by Ernst Fenollosa and Okakura Tension when the Tokyo Fine Arts School was found. It is said to be one of the best master works at the eighth century. It is a copy from Chinese scrolls which were popular in China at that time. I was impressed at first by its beautiful colors. They have not been faded. It was a big surprise for me that such an excellent color paint was used more than a thousand years ago, It is a wonder that the scrolls have been kept in good condition for such long years. To see the true thing might be the only means for appreciating its real value.

Takahashi Yuichi: salmon 1877	Kano Hougai : Avalokitesvara as a merciful mother 1888	Fujishima Takeji：Woman of Italy 1908

I felt the marvelous energies of talented artists when the past feudal customs were swept away at the very beginning of Meiji era. I selected three pictures as examples on the above.

The exhibition is my recommendation.

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