This November, an important online exhibition will be presented by The Nippon Club WEB Gallery. "Signs of Good Fortune: Traditional Japanese Art for a Bright Future" will feature artworks with themes of health, wealth, and long life. The show intends to brighten our spirits with an optimistic outlook for 2021.  

The charter of The Nippon Club proclaims that "the principal purpose and object of the Club shall be the promotion, fostering, establishment and maintenance of social and cultural relations, goodwill and understanding among its members and between the United States and Japan...".  

The exhibition will present exquisite Japanese artworks that inspire joy and good wishes. The objects selected date from the late Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods (late 18th to early 20th century), though their messages are just as relevant today.

Throughout history, Japanese artists and their admirers have delighted in auspicious symbols that cleverly reveal their positive intent. Represented will be visions of Mt. Fuji, the magical double-gourd, and the Gods of Good Fortune.  Imagery of animals that convey great luck such as paired carp, lobster, crane, and owl will inspire the viewer.

A splendid array of textiles, cloisonné enamels, inlaid metalwork, silver, gold lacquer, and carvings are included.  A particular focus will be on fukusa, the gorgeous gift covers formed with gold and silver thread and filled with felicitations.

"Signs of Good Fortune" is organized by The Nippon Club with the guidance of Mr. Masaaki Maeda (Vice President and Assistant Secretary) and supported by the J.C.C. Fund (Philanthropic Fund of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New York). This exhibition has been planned by Ms. Yasuko Honda (Director, Cultural Affairs) and curated by Japanese art specialist and consultant Ms. Sachiko Hori.  The virtual opening reception will be held on Thursday November 12th, and the show continues for a full month until Thursday December 30th. （By David Cole）  

Organized by The Nippon Club

Sponsored by the J.C.C. Fund (Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York)

Curated by Sachiko Hori

■Opening Reception 
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020, 7:00 – 7:45 pm
Register Here

Ms. Sachiko Hori, curator of this exhibition and Sotheby's Consultant, will talk about the "Good luck and Beauty in Japanese Art.” Also, please enjoy shakuhachi and saxophone performances by Zack Zinger, an composer and multi-instrumentalist (saxophone/clarinet/flute/EWI/shakuhachi).