Master Kawanabe Kyosai, a Genius of the Bakumatsu and Meiji Periods, Featured | Japanese Art Auction "Art Bid Meeting Meguru -MEGURU-" Vol.26

Kashima Arts Co., Ltd. will host "Art Bid Meeting Meguru -MEGURU-" Vol.26 from Saturday, May 23, 2026, to Sunday, May 31, 2026.

"Meguru -MEGURU-" was established in 2019 as a bid meeting handling diverse genres of art, primarily Japanese paintings from the early modern and modern periods, as well as Western paintings, calligraphies, prints, and crafts. Since its inception, it has introduced carefully selected works from consignors nationwide to art lovers both domestically and internationally, developing into one of Japan's leading Japanese art auctions.

At "Art Bid Meeting Meguru -MEGURU-" Vol.26, held in May 2026, works by representative Japanese artists from various genres will be widely exhibited. The lineup is designed so that even first-time auction participants or first-time art buyers can find their favorite piece.

This time, we will exhibit numerous excellent works, including pieces by artists currently drawing attention in exhibitions at museums in Tokyo, such as Nagasawa Rosetsu and Shimomura Kanzan, as well as Utagawa Kuniyoshi's "Although He Looks Scary, He Is a Very Good Man," Yokoyama Taikan's "Cuckoo," Umehara Ryuzaburo's "Peony," and Munakata Shiko's "Owl." Furthermore, this special feature will highlight Kawanabe Kyosai, who was active from the end of the Edo period (Bakumatsu) to the Meiji era.

This bid meeting is open to everyone free of charge for viewing sessions and online participation.

Please experience the Meguru auction, where you can enjoy the diverse charms of Japanese art.

## Special Feature: Kawanabe Kyosai

Kawanabe Kyosai was active from the Bakumatsu to the Meiji period. While based on the traditional painting methods of the Kano school, he built his unique world of painting with exceptional brushwork and innovative ideas. His high skill and distinctive style were highly praised both domestically and internationally during his lifetime. As a Kano school painter, he received numerous commissions from shrines and temples and was widely popular among the common people. Furthermore, many critical reviews were written about him abroad, attracting international attention. Against the backdrop of such wide-ranging activities, Kyosai left behind a truly diverse collection of works, including landscapes, caricatures, Buddhist paintings, and animal paintings.

This bid meeting will feature 14 diverse pieces that tell the story of his rich expression. We invite you to discover Kawanabe Kyosai's inexhaustible creativity and multifaceted appeal.

All exhibited works will be unveiled and bidding will open on the website from Friday, May 15!

You can view the full lineup of exhibited works earlier than the preview exhibition.

Website: https://meguru-auction.jp

### Selected Exhibited Works

### Main Exhibiting Artists

* Old Paintings
* Ito Jakuchu, Ike Taiga, Maruyama Okyo, Nagasawa Rosetsu, Mori Sosen, Sakai Hoitsu, Suzuki Kiitsu, Kawanabe Kyosai
* Ukiyo-e
* Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Kitagawa Utamaro, Utagawa Hiroshige, Utagawa Hiroshige II
* New Prints
* Yoshida Hiroshi, Kawase Hasui
* Modern Paintings
* Yokoyama Taikan, Shimomura Kanzan, Hishida Shunso, Kawai Gyokudo, Kimura Buzan, Takeuchi Seiho, Uemura Shoen, Ito Shinsui, Domoto Insho, Domon Ken
* Western Paintings
* Okada Saburosuke, Kumagai Morikazu, Fujita Tsuguharu, Nakagawa Kazumasa, Togo Seiji, Yamashita Kiyoshi, Pablo Picasso
* Calligraphy
* Date Masamune, Hakuin Ekaku, Sengai Gibon, Saigo Nanshu, Fukuzawa Yukichi, Aoyama Sanu
* Folk Crafts (Mingei)
* Kawai Kanjiro, Hamada Shoji, Munakata Shiko, Serizawa Keisuke
* Crafts
* Matsuda Gonroku, Yagi Kazuo, Daum, Emile Galle

"Art Bid Meeting Meguru -MEGURU-" Two Key Points!

### Point 1: No Glass Cases! Appreciate Works Up Close

Exhibited works are displayed without glass cases. In addition to appreciating the works, you can check their actual condition and size.

Preview Exhibition Scene

### Point 2: Guided Tours by Expert Staff

Expert staff with extensive knowledge of the works are always present at the preview exhibition. Feel free to ask them about techniques, highlights, artist backgrounds, and any other points of interest.

### Preview Exhibition

* May 23 (Sat) - May 31 (Sun), 2026
* Admission Free / Open daily during the exhibition period
* Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
* Venue: Kashima Arts (3-3-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031)

*Some works may not be continuously displayed at the preview. Please ask a staff member if you wish to see a specific work.

*Condition reports for exhibited works can also be sent to those who find it difficult to visit. Please feel free to inquire.

### Free Original Catalog!

We are offering a free original catalog featuring all exhibited works. If you wish to receive a catalog, please apply using the form.

*The number of printed catalogs is limited. Once the distribution limit is reached, a web catalog will be provided.

Catalog Application Form: https://www.kashima-arts.co.jp/contact/

### Concurrently Held! Web-Exclusive Bidding Auction

A web-exclusive auction will be held in conjunction with "Art Bid Meeting Meguru -MEGURU-" Vol.26.