Kuretake (Nara) Introduces the World of Korean Traditional 'Minhwa' Painting: Korean Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026

Kuretake Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nara City, Nara Prefecture; President: Mayumi Nishimura; hereinafter 'Kuretake') is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the 'Korean Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026,' organized by the Korean Minhwa Association. This exhibition introduces 'Minhwa,' a traditional Korean painting style, to the city of Nara, Japan. Through these colorful and approachable artworks, we aim to share a world of beauty infused with the lifestyle, culture, and heartfelt wishes of the Korean people. The exhibited Minhwa are traditional Korean paintings that have historically depicted people's wishes for happiness, longevity, and protection against evil through simple yet powerful expressions. Their vibrant colors and humorous motifs have captivated many people across eras and borders. This exhibition will focus on works by Minhwa artist Lee Gi-soon. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of expressions that fuse the narrative nature of Minhwa—including works featuring the 'tiger,' a frequent character in Korean folklore—with modern sensibilities. For many years, Kuretake has supported the development of culture and art both domestically and internationally through its manufacturing, which sustains the culture of 'writing and drawing.' By sponsoring this exhibition, we aim to support a venue where Korean traditional culture is introduced to Japan, helping to ensure that culture is passed down across national borders.