慶應義塾大学アート・センター　Keio University Art Center

Bookworms / Bookfiends　Treasures from Century Cultural Foundation / Collaborative Exhibition of Special Collections

Date

Venue 1: Mita Media Center (Keio University Library) Exhibition Space
Open: Weekdays 9:00 - 18:20 (until 16:50 on Saturdays)
Closed: Sundays, public holidays 2019

Venue 2: Keio University Art Space
Open: Weekdays 10:00–17:00
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays 2019

Venue

Venue 1: Mita Media Center (Keio University Library) Exhibition Room
2-15-45, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345
[Located on Keio University Mita Campus]

Venue2: Keio University Art Space
[Located on the ground floor of Keio University South Annex]

 

Audience

Open to everyone

Cost

free

Enquiries and bookings

Keio University Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko)
03-5427-1582
http://www.sido.keio.ac.jp/

Keio University Art Center
03-5427-1621
http://www.art-c.keio.ac.jp/

Organiser(s)

Organised by: Keio University Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), Keio University Art Center,  Mita Media Center (Keio University Library)

---

Overview

   Book collectors - What compels the people who collect books? At this exhibition, we will trace the trajectories of the people who have diligently engaged with the tasks of collecting and studying books, as well as bringing these to a wider audience.

　While the people who collected books and the places at which they converged, such as persons of influence, successive generations of scholars and the learned clergy, or places of religious devotion, were considerably limited in antiquity and medieval times, as we enter the early modern period various book collectors will emerge accompanying the flourishing of publishing culture. Into modern times, these traditions are then passed on even amidst changes and upheavals such as the Meiji Restoration and the destruction of Buddhist temples as part of the anti-Buddhist movement during that era, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the Second World War; and these survive to this day.

　In the first section of this exhibition, “Books to Collect and Share,” we will profile the diverse array of collectors as well as their libraries, from feudal lords and scholars at the start of the early modern era through to contemporary researchers.

　In the second section, “The Love of a Well-preserved Volume,” we will explore the dealings of the scholars who sought superior texts while advancing scholarship such as in the evidential (koshogaku) and bibliographic schools which began in the latter half of the Edo period or the field of Japanese literature which blossomed in the Showa era, through their book collections.

　In the third section, “The Will to Publish,” we will shine a light on the publications and manuscripts of the people whose tireless work to prevent the destruction of books and to further scholarship by means of reproduction or reprinting was responsible for the spread of these volumes.

　We would be delighted if this exhibition helps visitors to achieve a sense of the scholarly dedication of these “book people,” and the deep affection and respect for Japanese and Chinese culture which underlies their work.

       

　In addition, there will be displays of relevant works from the Gotoh Museum, Kanazawa Bunko, Toyo Bunko, and Seikado Bunko Art Museum, entitled “Venerable Classics of the Specialist Collections.” Please take in these complementary exhibitions together.