Drama And Desire: Japanese Paintings

The world's unsurpassed collection of Japanese ukiyo-e paintings inaugurates the ROM's new Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall on June 2, 2007. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is proud to inaugurate the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal's new Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall -- Canada's largest gallery for temporary international exhibitions -- with Drama and Desire: Japanese Paintings from the Floating World, 1690 - 1850.

From June 2, 2007 to August 12, 2007 visitors will enjoy a vibrant and colourful overview of the ukiyo-e genre of painting that developed during Japan's Edo period (or Tokugawa period, 1600-1868) -- one of the most alluring periods in Japanese history.

Drawn from the unparalleled collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Drama and Desire features approximately 80 exquisite ukiyo-e paintings, screens and hanging scrolls by major artists of the 17th to 19th centuries. These remarkable works explore such themes as the iconography of the "floating world" of Yoshiwara, the pleasure quarters of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), which was frequented by samurai, actors, and rich patrons.

The ROM is privileged to be the only Canadian venue to present this exceptionally beautiful exhibition," says William Thorsell, Director and CEO of the ROM. "With Drama and Desire, we also introduce the new 17,000 sq. ft. Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall, inside the new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal -- a truly magnificent and dynamic space for international exhibitions of this stature."

The Ukiyo-e Genre:

Ukiyo-e (Japanese for "pictures of the floating world") paintings developed in Edo as the city grew and prospered into Japan's major political and commercial centre. Masters of ukiyo-e painting explored the daily activities of the city's inhabitants and, in particular, detailed the stylish preoccupations of the world of the theatre and of the brothels. Drama and Desire examines these themes while exploring the development of the genre throughout the 17th to 19th centuries.

City life is the main subject of these colourful paintings, especially scenes from the entertainment district, filled with graceful geisha clad in the finest kimonos, flamboyant Kabuki theatre actors, sumo wrestlers and samurai. Samurai were not allowed in the Yoshiwara area but would visit regardless, having to leave their swords at the entrance to the area, which was surrounded by a moat and walls. For audiences today, these pictures are glimpses into another age and the "floating world", a spontaneous and vibrant young culture that flourished in the urban centres of Edo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Each painting offers a unique opportunity to look at the life, history, fashion, culture and landscapes of the Edo period. -- www.rom.on.ca