Honoring a Single Master, where East Meets West

Chikkyo Ono (1889–1979), born in Kasaoka, Okayama, was a master of Japanese painting (Nihonga). This memorial museum is entirely dedicated to the life and work of this singular artist. Exhibitions reveal his identity as a colorist with an extraordinary sense of hue. Both Chikkyo’s paintings and his words express how sincerely the artist confronted his inner self to cultivate and create beauty.

The evolution of Chikkyo’s artworks not only mirrors his personal history, it reflects a pivotal turning point where Western and Eastern influences merged to create a new aesthetic, while remaining rooted in Japanese painting. A prime example is “Nakiri Village” (Nakiri-mura), exhibited by the Association for the Creation of National Painting (Kokuga Sōsaku Kyōkai), which Chikkyo co-founded in 1918. When this work was later designated a National Important Cultural Property, it was praised as "a quintessential example of landscape expression in Taisho-era Nihonga, marking a transition in Chikkyo's style and representing the landscape painting of an era where approaches to Western art were widely debated". Chikkyo’s innovative spirit, incorporating Western spatial expressions and sensibilities into traditional Japanese techniques, permeates the museum.

Imaginary Scenes and Memories of Setouchi

The landscapes Chikkyo painted as a master colorist portray the many faces of the Seto Inland Sea, where he played every day in his youth. These childhood memories flow through his work like a quiet undertone. While he used specific regions as models, he expressed conceptual beauty rather than aiming for realistic depiction. This is why some works are simply titled “Sea”.

One pinnacle of this approach is his masterpiece “Glowing Sky Between the Trees” (Jukan no Akane). Here, the landscape has left reality behind, sublimated into an imaginary scene constructed entirely within Chikkyo’s mind. Visitors to the museum can trace how the painter’s style became increasingly refined as he aged, showcasing his true strength as a master colorist.

Beyond Grief, Skies and Clouds

The frequent appearance of skies and clouds in Chikkyo’s later works can be traced to deep familial love. After losing his beloved son, Haruo, in battle at the age of 26 in 1943, Chikkyo wrote: "I watched summer clouds rising as I saw my child off to war, and felt a sense of the distant unknown. When I received news of his death, I felt as if his soul was in the sky. I often thought his spirit might be riding on those softly floating clouds." He continued to paint skies and clouds thereafter.

Such intimacy with the artist’s inner self can be found in the personal written records Chikkyo left behind. These archival materials reveal his ambitious spirit—a man who never stopped challenging himself, struggling and experimenting even after establishing his reputation.

2029: Passing the Spirit of Cultural Kasaoka to Future Generations

As the museum approaches the milestones of the 140th anniversary of Chikkyo’s birth and the 50th anniversary of his passing in 2029, it remains a valuable part of Kasaoka’s tradition as a town of culture. In 1982, significant private donations were made to establish the museum. Residents’ passionate initiative to supporting their city's culture became the driving force that moved national and prefectural budgets to make this institution a reality.

For over 40 years since its opening, the museum has honored Chikkyo’s legacy. Emphasizing art in context, we have held special exhibitions featuring artists associated with Chikkyo and the Kyoto art world that nurtured him. This has led to numerous donations of works from related artists and their families, allowing us to present a more comprehensive and enriched image of Chikkyo’s artistry.

Today, this commitment to culture is passed to the next generation through education. We currently focus on activities such as interactive art appreciation sessions for elementary school students and outreach classes to cultivate a love for culture in children. While addressing modern challenges such as the expansion of storage facilities, the museum continues to build upon the foundation of Kasaoka’s passion for the arts. Going forward, we remain dedicated to sharing Chikkyo’s universal awareness of aesthetics with the world at large and with future generations.

Note:

●Exhibitions are rotated approximately every two months.

●Chikkyo Ono's works are not on permanent display; they may not be available during certain special exhibitions. We appreciate your understanding.