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'Chihiro Iwasaki Exhibition | Children in the World: Peace and Happiness for All'

  • Date:2018-02-01
'Chihiro Iwasaki Exhibition | Children in the World: Peace and Happiness for All'

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Japanese illustrator Chihiro Iwasaki (岩崎知弘), the National Museum of History will hold an exhibition in collaboration with Chihiro Art Museum Azumino from Feb. 1 through April 22.


Chihiro Iwasaki (1918-1974) was a prestigious illustrator best known for her exquisite and colorful illustrations of children and flowers. Deftly applied western watercolor strokes with traditional eastern painting techniques were used to vividly present delicate, soft, and lively images of children.    


Her first children’s book titled “I Can Do It All by Myself” was published in 1956. By 1971, her work “The Pretty Bird” won the BolognaRagazzi Award, which was followed by “Children in the Flames of War,” which won the bronze prize at the Leipzig Book Fair in 1973.


As Iwasaki had experienced World War II in her childhood, she hoped to express her love and care toward children through paintings and wished all the children in the world could lead a happy and peaceful life.


After she passed away in 1974 at the age of 55, two Chihiro Art Museums – one in Tokyo and another in Nagano Prefecture – were established to preserve and introduce her artistic achievements to the public.


This Taipei exhibition will feature 100 artworks that have never been showcased outside of Japan before. It will also showcase some of her most celebrated works such as “Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window,” “Children in the Flames of War,” and her illustrations for Hans Christian Andersen’s “Thumbelina.”


Watercolor paintings and sketches made by Iwasaki from the 1940s to 1970s will also be displayed to offer insights on her life story, unique techniques, and her detailed observations on the inner world of children.



‘Chihiro Iwasaki Exhibition’