In Japan, leisure activities have been elevated to something of an art form. So it is entirely fitting, perhaps, that they are focus of an art show at the Newark Museum. “Poetic Pastimes: Japan and the Art of Leisure” runs from February 15 through the end of May. It brings to life many Japanese pastimes through woodblock prints, lacquerware, ceramics, and carved ivory. Poetic Pastimes is organized around the four seasons starting with spring and transitioning through the seasons by showcasing an array of related objects and depictions of amusements. More than 150 pieces of fine and decorative arts spanning the last two and a half centuries will be on view. In addition to the special exhibit, four Newark Museum permanent galleries are being dedicated solely to exhibiting Japanese art and three additional galleries feature interconnections between Japanese art and that of other Asian countries.
