[Nara/Kuretake] Introducing the World of "Minhwa," Traditional Korean Folk Painting. "Korea Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026: Where Tradition Meets Modernity – A World of Korean Beauty" to be Held
Kuretake Co., Ltd. is sponsoring the "Korea Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026" in Nara, Japan, to showcase the traditional Korean folk art known as "Minhwa." The exhibition highlights the intersection of traditional techniques and modern sensibilities, featuring works by artist Lee Ki-soon.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (18h 39m after Published)
Kuretake Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nara City, Nara Prefecture; President: Mayumi Nishimura; hereinafter "Kuretake") is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the "Korea Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026," organized by the Korea Minhwa Association.
This exhibition introduces "Minhwa," a traditional form of painting passed down through generations in Korea, to the city of Nara, Japan. Through Minhwa, characterized by its vivid colors and approachable expressions, we invite you to experience a world of beauty that embodies the daily life, culture, and heartfelt wishes of the Korean people.
The Minhwa on display are traditional Korean paintings that have long depicted people's desires for happiness, longevity, and protection from evil through simple yet powerful imagery. Their vibrant colors and humorous motifs have captivated many people across eras and borders.
This exhibition will primarily feature works by Minhwa artist Lee Ki-soon. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of expressions that fuse the narrative quality unique to Minhwa with a contemporary sensibility, including works featuring the "tiger," a frequent subject in Korean folklore.
For many years, Kuretake has supported the development of culture and the arts both domestically and internationally through manufacturing that sustains the culture of "writing and drawing." By sponsoring this exhibition, we aim to support a platform that introduces traditional Korean culture to Japan and contribute to the preservation and transmission of culture across national borders.
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### Key Highlights
**Held in Nara: A Stage for Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange**
Nara is a city with a history of forming Japanese culture while embracing continental influences. By introducing traditional Korean Minhwa in Nara, this exhibition serves as an attempt to embody Japan-Korea cultural exchange, symbolizing the transmission of Korean culture to Japan.
**"Tradition x Modernity": Updating Korean Minhwa**
What is on display goes beyond classical copies. By incorporating designs and compositions tailored to modern lifestyles, the exhibition allows visitors to feel the energy of the "current" Korean art scene.
---
### Event Overview
■ Exhibition Title: Stories of Color Resonating Across Time: Korea Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026 – Where Tradition Meets Modernity, A World of Korean Beauty
■ Dates: April 9 (Thu) – April 11 (Sat), 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
■ Venue: Gallery Tenpyo Naramachi
1-1 Tarui-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8218 (Approx. 7-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station)
Gallery Website: https://nanbamidousujihall.com/gallery/
■ Organizer: Korea Minhwa Association
■ Sponsor: Kuretake Co., Ltd.
■ Admission: Free
---
### Company Overview
Kuretake Co., Ltd.
Company Name: Kuretake Co., Ltd.
Address: 7-576 Nankin-cho, Nara City, 630-8670
President: Mayumi Nishimura
Founded: October 1, 1902
Established: August 16, 1932
Business Description: Manufacturing, sales, and import/export of sumi ink, calligraphy liquid, calligraphy supplies, calligraphy sets, ink wash painting supplies, picture letter and watercolor sketching supplies, brush pens, marking pens, calligraphy markers, retail signage supplies, and hobby craft/scrapbooking supplies.
Company Website: https://www.kuretake.co.jp/
This exhibition introduces "Minhwa," a traditional form of painting passed down through generations in Korea, to the city of Nara, Japan. Through Minhwa, characterized by its vivid colors and approachable expressions, we invite you to experience a world of beauty that embodies the daily life, culture, and heartfelt wishes of the Korean people.
The Minhwa on display are traditional Korean paintings that have long depicted people's desires for happiness, longevity, and protection from evil through simple yet powerful imagery. Their vibrant colors and humorous motifs have captivated many people across eras and borders.
This exhibition will primarily feature works by Minhwa artist Lee Ki-soon. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of expressions that fuse the narrative quality unique to Minhwa with a contemporary sensibility, including works featuring the "tiger," a frequent subject in Korean folklore.
For many years, Kuretake has supported the development of culture and the arts both domestically and internationally through manufacturing that sustains the culture of "writing and drawing." By sponsoring this exhibition, we aim to support a platform that introduces traditional Korean culture to Japan and contribute to the preservation and transmission of culture across national borders.
---
### Key Highlights
**Held in Nara: A Stage for Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange**
Nara is a city with a history of forming Japanese culture while embracing continental influences. By introducing traditional Korean Minhwa in Nara, this exhibition serves as an attempt to embody Japan-Korea cultural exchange, symbolizing the transmission of Korean culture to Japan.
**"Tradition x Modernity": Updating Korean Minhwa**
What is on display goes beyond classical copies. By incorporating designs and compositions tailored to modern lifestyles, the exhibition allows visitors to feel the energy of the "current" Korean art scene.
---
### Event Overview
■ Exhibition Title: Stories of Color Resonating Across Time: Korea Minhwa Association Exhibition 2026 – Where Tradition Meets Modernity, A World of Korean Beauty
■ Dates: April 9 (Thu) – April 11 (Sat), 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
■ Venue: Gallery Tenpyo Naramachi
1-1 Tarui-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8218 (Approx. 7-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station)
Gallery Website: https://nanbamidousujihall.com/gallery/
■ Organizer: Korea Minhwa Association
■ Sponsor: Kuretake Co., Ltd.
■ Admission: Free
---
### Company Overview
Kuretake Co., Ltd.
Company Name: Kuretake Co., Ltd.
Address: 7-576 Nankin-cho, Nara City, 630-8670
President: Mayumi Nishimura
Founded: October 1, 1902
Established: August 16, 1932
Business Description: Manufacturing, sales, and import/export of sumi ink, calligraphy liquid, calligraphy supplies, calligraphy sets, ink wash painting supplies, picture letter and watercolor sketching supplies, brush pens, marking pens, calligraphy markers, retail signage supplies, and hobby craft/scrapbooking supplies.
Company Website: https://www.kuretake.co.jp/