Legends, Tales, Poetry: Visual Narrative in Japanese Art

SAM’s renowned Japanese art collection visually enacts stories told and retold over thousands of years. As the works themselves lend new interpretations to familiar stories, so does each installation. The works selected for this exhibition—scrolls, screens, prints, photographs, lacquer work, ceramics, and textiles—are telling examples of the rich visual portrayals in Japanese art from the 13th to the 21st century.

Generous support for this exhibition is provided by the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation.

Illustrated Legend of the Hasedera, Muromachi period, 1333–1573, 16th century, Japanese, volume of hand scrolls: ink and color on paper 515 13/16 x 12 1/8in., Seattle Art Museum, Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund, 57.15.3, Photo: Susan A Cole