**Kotobuki: Celebrating Japanese Art from New York Private Collections**

# **Exploring “Kotobuki”: A Rare Celebration of Japanese Art at Japan Society**

Japan Society is offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a remarkable exhibition titled *Kotobuki: Auspicious Celebrations of Japanese Art from New York Private Collections*. Open through **May 11**, this exhibition presents an extraordinary selection of **Japanese artworks** from esteemed private collections in the New York area. It highlights **auspicious imagery and celebratory themes** through diverse art forms, including **paintings, calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, baskets, and surimono (privately commissioned woodblock prints)**, dating from the 12th to the 21st centuries.

## **A Rare Glimpse into Private Collections**

A distinguishing feature of *Kotobuki* is that it draws entirely from **private collections**, making it a rare opportunity to view significant Japanese artworks that are seldom displayed in public. The exhibition includes pieces from renowned collections such as:

– **The Fishbein-Bender Collection**
– **The Leighton and Rosemarie Longhi Collection**
– **The Diane and Arthur Abbey Collection**
– **The John C. Weber Collection**
– **The Virginia Shawan Drosten and Patrick Kenadjian Collection**
– **The David Tausig Frank and Kazukuni Sugiyama Collection**
– **Various other private collectors**

Through this impressive selection, *Kotobuki* not only highlights exceptional Japanese artwork but also underscores the **importance of private collecting practices** in the preservation and appreciation of Japanese art. Many masterpieces that were once in personal collections have later been donated to major museums, enriching public institutions worldwide.

## **A Journey Through Centuries of Japanese Art**

Visitors of *Kotobuki* can explore the **evolution of Japanese artistic traditions** over several centuries. The exhibition emphasizes themes of **prosperity, longevity, and happiness**, reflected in various art forms. One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is a **16th-century six-panel folding screen** from the **Leighton and Rosemarie Longhi Collection**, which has been promised as a future gift to **The Metropolitan Museum of Art** in memory of Leighton Longhi. This piece exemplifies how **private collections help shape the legacy of institutional art holdings**.

## **Why This Exhibition Is a Must-See**

– **Rare Opportunity**: Many of these artworks are being publicly displayed for the first time.
– **Diverse Art Forms**: Experience different artistic techniques spanning centuries and mediums.
– **Cultural and Historical Significance**: Gain insight into Japanese traditions related to celebration and prosperity.
– **Exclusive Collections**: View works from some of the most important Japanese art collections in the U.S.

If you’re an admirer of **Japanese culture, history, or fine art**, *Kotobuki* is an exhibition not to be missed. It provides a **deep dive into time-honored Japanese artistic expressions**, offering something truly valuable for both seasoned art collectors and those new to Japanese art.

### **Plan Your Visit**

*Kotobuki* is on view through **May 11** at **Japan Society** in New York. For more details and to purchase tickets, **please visit [japansociety.org](https://bit.ly/3DxHfAG).**

Don’t miss this **rare opportunity** to immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese art and witness works that may never be publicly exhibited again!