The need to periodically put the most delicate works to rest - such as those in paper - offers the opportunity to make the entire collection of works of the Museum visible to the public in rotation. From XXX will therefore be visible in the gallery dedicated to Japan a new selection of kakemono , the classic Japanese paintings on vertical scrolls, and woodblock prints .

Since the twelfth century, Japanese artists have shown an extraordinary ability to make the appearance, expressions and behaviors of the animals, real and fantastic, which since ancient times have populated the archipelago and its traditional tales. The new rotation of kakemono takes its cue from this rich production by presenting a selection of creatures of the earth, water and air capable of evoking precise meanings, symbols and legends .

In a first diptych, the dragon , protector of East and spring, dialogues with the tiger , emblem of West and autumn: the skilful game of ink brush strokes concretizes the propitious combination of these complementary forces, dominating sky and earth.

The pair of rabbits starring in the painting by Maruyama Oshin (1791-1839) look up to the sky: they are the lunar rabbits, associated with the mid-autumn festival, when, according to legend, it is possible to see the shape on the face of the moon. of a rabbit preparing mochi, a traditional Japanese dessert.