Join us for a quiet afternoon tea at Japan Society as Dr. Michele Bambling, Senior Director, Japan Society Gallery, guides you through our vibrant exhibition during an exclusive private tour. Experience the joyful spirit of Kotobuki: Auspicious Celebrations of Japanese Art from New York Private Collections at this special gathering.
The exhibition embodies the festive theme of “kotobuki,” representing celebration, happiness, and longevity. Discover an array of stunning artworks, including paintings, surimono, calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, and baskets, each carefully selected by Dr. Miyeko Murase (1924-2025), Takeo and Itsuko Atsumi Professor Emerita of Japanese Art History at Columbia University, from renowned private collections in New York City, spanning from the 12th to the 21st centuries.
This intimate tour is an opportunity to appreciate these celebratory masterworks while enjoying Dr. Bambling’s illuminating commentary. Share in the festivities with fellow art enthusiasts over tea and light refreshments.
We’re excited to welcome our friends, supporters, and collaborators to this special opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Bambling as we look forward to celebrating the future of the arts and culture at Japan Society.
For any questions, please contact myuzuki@japansociety.org.
This special event is available to Sustaining Level members and above. RSVP is required, and space is limited.
Kotobuki: Auspicious Celebrations of Japanese Art from New York Private Collections is open to the public March 13–May 11, 2025.
Image © Zhen Qin.
Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Exhibitions and Arts & Culture Lecture Programs are made possible, in part, by Sompo Holdings, Inc.; public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund; the Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation; The Masako Mera and Koichi Mera, PhD Fund for Education and the Arts; Yasko Tashiro and Thierry Porté; Peggy and Dick Danziger; Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka; Barbara Bertozzi Castelli; Joan B. Mirviss; Gallery Circle members; and the International Gallery Advisory Committee. Support for Arts & Culture Lecture Programs is provided, in part, by the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund.
Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor for Japan Society gallery exhibitions.
Kotobuki: Auspicious Celebrations of Japanese Art from New York Private Collections is supported by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Rosemarie Longhi, and Joan B. Mirviss.
We are grateful for the generous product donation from Sage Matcha.
- Thursday, May 8, 2025
- 4:00 pm
- In-Person Event
- Registration
* Free for Japan Society Sustaining level members and above; advance registration required.