Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a big fan of Nihonga ( art work created using tradition Japanese painting techniques ), and in particular Bijinga (美人画), which literally translates as “beautiful women art”. While the Ukiyo-e prints and paintings of beautiful women in Japan’s Edo era (1603-1868) eventually gained enough movement and fame to earn their own title of “Bijinga”, similar works featuring good looking and beautiful men never received such a reputation or status.

“Handsome Men They Are (美男におわす)”, a revolving art exhibition that was first held at the Museum of Modern Art, Saitama Japan in late 2021 is an attempt to explore this theme, or lack there-of. From paintings of beautiful “Bishounen” boys to depictions of handsome young men, this exhibition takes a look at how beautiful men appear within the world of Japan’s visual culture; from traditional Japanese art techniques like Ukiyo-e to contemporary art as well as manga and animation.

This art book is the official catalog for the exhibition and collects most, if not all the pieces of art work that was showcased, with over 200 pages of paintings and illustrations featured.

Because of the dreaded COVID pandemic, travel to Japan has become impossible; this exhibition ( among many others ) would likely have been on my list of things to visit if travel to the country had been allowed. This art book is the next best thing, and through it I am happy to discover many new Japanese artists, both traditional and contemporary that I am excited to find out more about. Recommended.

“Handsome Men They Are Art Exhibition Catalog 美男におわす” art book details :

Dimensions – 220 × 188x 10 mm
Softcover, 240 pages
Full color, In Japanese language

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