Toyooka City Museum of Art －Itoh Kiyonaga Memorial Hall－

The Kiyonaga Ito Memorial Museum is a Toyooka City municipal art museum in Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, opened in 1989 (Heisei 1). It houses and exhibits works by local artists, including the painter Kiyonaga Ito. Located in the center of the Izushi castle town, it stands next to the Izushi Karō Residence. Though the structure is reinforced concrete, it features a sukiya-style exterior designed to harmonize with Izushi’s historic streetscape that retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere. Access is via JR San’in Main Line Toyooka Station, then take Zentan Bus bound for Izushi, get off at the “Izushi Eigyosho” bus stop, and walk about 5 minutes. Kiyonaga Ito is known for consistently pursuing techniques for portraying feminine beauty, developing a warm and distinctive style that earned him the nickname “Japan’s Renoir.” The permanent exhibition includes early masterpieces such as “Isohito” and “Portrait of Mrs. I,” as well as later nude paintings. Special exhibitions are also held two to three times a year. The museum also serves as a venue for the Izushi Porcelain Triennale, Japan’s only open-call exhibition dedicated exclusively to porcelain.