The Kyushu National Museum presents a special exhibition focusing on two feudal lords of the Matsura family from Hirado, Nagasaki, during the Edo period: the 9th lord, Matsura Kiyoshi (pen name: Seizan), and his son, the 10th lord, Hiromu. Through objects they passionately collected and preserved—ranging from paintings and calligraphy to arms and armor—the exhibition explores the values and perspectives behind their collections.
Seizan collected broadly out of scholarly and cultural curiosity, while Hiromu aimed to preserve the memory of his family and region for future generations. Their contrasting approaches are reflected in the collection, revealing not just what they gathered, but why. The exhibition is divided into two periods: Part 1 (Jan 20–Feb 15) and Part 2 (Feb 17–Mar 15), with some works rotating between phases.
Three Friends
Painted by Naitō Gyōshō, dated 1839
Inscribed by Satō Issai, dated 1840
Matsura Historical Museum, Nagasaki
Displayed Throughout
• 1/20 (Tue.) ~ 3/15 (Sun.)
• Closed: Mon (open on Feb. 23, closed on Feb. 24)
• 9:30-17:00 (open until 20:00 on Fri. and Sat., last entry: 30 min. before closing)
• Fee: ¥2,000, college ¥1,200, free for under HS & 18 y.o.
• Kyushu National Museum
• 4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.kyuhaku.jp/exhibition/exhibition_s75.html
Matsura Hiromu (in Kariginu robes)
Painted by Ide Toshikatsu, inscribed by Matsura Hiromu
19th century (after 1833)
Matsura Historical Museum, Nagasaki
Displayed Throughout
Peacocks
By Jokōshin (Kuma Sadahachi)
19th century
Matsura Historical Museum, Nagasaki
Displayed Throughout
Kaseishūkozu
18th–19th century
Private collection
Displayed Throughout
Exhibition flyer
