Like a samurai warlord proclaiming a new era after his conquest, the artist Hasegawa Tohaku proclaimed a new era with his brush. Tohaku’s ink painting “Pine Trees” is an enchanting masterpiece that remains shrouded in mystery.

Tohaku’s enchanting work, which shows a grove of pines wrapped in dense, damp fog, is created entirely out of the masterful use of ink gradation. Tohaku was a renowned master artist of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573 – 1603 CE), and his “Pine Trees” is one of the most popular of all national treasures held at the Tokyo National Museum. It is also a work steeped in mystery. This virtual reality experience takes you back to the late 16th century to uncover hints about the composition of “Pine Trees,” tracing the achievements of Tohaku during his life as an artist. Learn more about what makes “Pine Trees” so enchanting with commentary on episodes related to the screen, including Hasegawa’s creating of his “Maple Tree” and “Cherry Blossoms.” Hasegawa painted this set of paintings for the sliding doors, designated a national treasure for Chisakuin Temple, at the request if Toyotomi Hideyosi, the de facto ruler of Japan at the time. Tohaku was assisted by his son Kyuzo, who hlped him develop the Haseawa school.

Screening take place hourly at the museum from 11am – 4pm. Running time is roughly 35 minutes.