The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo, will present “The Price Collection: Heart of Beautiful Japan” in the George J. Doizaki Gallery from Sunday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 27.
This extraordinary exhibition was envisioned by Joe and Etsuko Price and features the masterpieces of the late Edo-period painters Sakai Hoitsu (1761-1828) and Suzuki Shuitsu (1823-1889), with a flower arrangement installation from three ikebana schools affiliated with JACCC – Ikenobo, Ohara-Ryu, and Sogetsu.
The Prices exhibited the paintings of Hoitsu and Shuitsu in Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Their hope was to use the beauty of nature and the seasons of these Edo period paintings to lift the spirits of Japan’s citizens and encourage them to never give up during the difficult time of rebuilding.
With 2015 marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Prices will once again use the exhibition as a message of hope and peace through the exquisite paintings.
“Our wish is that the exhibition at JACCC will remind everyone of the beauty of Japan’s arts and culture,” said Joe and Etsuko Price.
The exhibition will include Hoitsu’s “The Thirty-six Immortal Poets with Flowering Plants.” Hoitsu was a talented painter and practitioner of calligraphy, and this particular piece showcases his stunning decorative paintings of birds and flowers, as well as classical Japanese literature with his beautiful calligraphy.
In order for the collection to be properly displayed, the Prices supported JACCC with a generous gift to upgrade the gallery space in preparation for the Edo-period paintings.
“Finding Edo-period artwork in good condition is difficult,” said JACCC Artistic Director Hirokazu Kosaka. “Joe and Etsuko Price’s efforts in ensuring the paintings remain in great condition are a testament to their deep respect and admiration for the collection.”
“All of us at JACCC are ecstatic to exhibit this exclusive collection in the George J. Doizaki Gallery,” added President and CEO Leslie A. Ito. “To be able to share their art collection with Southern California in an intimate gallery space is a tremendous honor. We thank the Prices for their generosity and for giving JACCC the opportunity to be a part of this monumental exhibition.”
Opening reception will be held on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays.
For more information, call (213)628-2725 or visit www.jaccc.org.