Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts unveils two paintings worth ¥60 million donated by a company with ties to the prefecture

The restoration of 2 Western-style paintings by the artist Seiji Togo (東郷 青児), donated by シーボン to Tochigi Prefecture, has been completed, and an unveiling ceremony was held at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts in Utsunomiya. The unveiling took place on the 21st, and the paintings are scheduled to go on display from the 24th for the time being.

The works are “Three Floating Women,” created in 1969 and measuring 184 cm high by 437 cm wide, and “Rest,” created in 1973 and measuring 350 cm high by 180 cm wide. They had been displayed for many years at シーボン’s Kaminokawa plant and other locations. The paintings underwent full-surface cleaning and other restoration work, and are also attracting attention as large-scale works measuring more than 3 m.

This is the first time the Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts has held a work by Seiji Togo (東郷 青児), giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate anew the appeal of the female figures known as Togo-style (東郷) bijin-ga. The unveiling was attended by Governor Tomikazu Fukuda (福田 富一), President Kazuhiro Sakiyama (崎山 一弘) of シーボン and others.

President Kazuhiro Sakiyama (崎山 一弘) said, “Tochigi Prefecture is a place to which we have a strong attachment, as our plant has been operating there for nearly 60 years. We hope many people will become familiar with these works and that they will be cherished for many years to come.” He expressed hope that prefectural residents would continue to have opportunities to view the works after their unveiling.