Planned Exhibition “Cormorant Fishing —Traditional Fishing with Torches—”
The tradition of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River has been passed down through generations until today. The enduring preservation of this tradition can be attributed to the support from the Edo Shogunate, Owari Domain, and the Imperial Family, as well as its widespread recognition as a famous attraction since the Edo period, which has delighted many spectators.
In this exhibition, we will showcase paintings inspired by cormorant fishing, along with equipment designated as an important tangible folk cultural property of the country, offering visitors a glimpse into the allure of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River through the eyes of both artists and observers.
Overview
| Event period |
August 4 (Fri)–September 24 (Sun), 2023 |
|---|---|
| Hours of operation |
9:00 am–5:00 pm (Entry until 4:30 pm) |
| Closed |
Every Monday and September 19 (Tue) (Open on August 14 & September 18). |
| Admission fee |
310 yen (250 yen) for high school and up; 150 yen (90 yen) for elementary/junior high school students Discounted prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more. Free admission for those below (proof required for ① or ②. MIRAIRO ID accepted.) Gifu-City residents of age 70 or older Holders of physical disability certificate, mental disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, or medical care recipient certificate for intractable diseases and one attendant Elementary / Junior high school students in Gifu City Junior high school students and younger visitors, and accompanying family members (of high school students and older) on August 20 (Sun) and September 17 (Sun) |
| Organizer |
Gifu City |
| Venue |
Special exhibition room on the 1st floor of Gifu City Museum of History |
Related Events
Commemorative Lectures
“Cormorant Fishing in Art”
Speaker: Nobue Mito (Special Researcher, Yamatane Museum of Art)
August 27 (Sun) from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
"Cormorant Fishing in Films"
Speaker: Kiyoshi Otsuka (Director, Gifu City Museum of History)
September 17 (Sun) from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
Details
170 participants each session (first-come-first-served basis on the day, no advance registration required)
1st-floor Auditorium, Gifu City Museum of History
Free. However, a viewing ticket (valid for the day of entry) is required for attendance.
Curator's Exhibition Commentary (Slide Talk)
– August 20 (Sun) from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
– September 9 (Sat) from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Doors open at 9:30 AM)
170 participants each session (first-come-first-served basis on the day, no advance registration required)
1st-floor Auditorium, Gifu City Museum of History
Free. However, a viewing ticket (valid for the day of entry) is required for attendance.
Main Exhibition Works
- Cormorant Fishing Folding Screen
(Partial) -
Painted by Kano Tanyu, Early Edo Period
Owned by Okura Museum of ArtExhibition PeriodAugust 4 (Fri) to August 27 (Sun)
- Cormorant Fishing
-
Painted by Kawai Gyokudo, 1902
Owned by The Museum of Fine Arts, GifuExhibition PeriodAugust 4 (Fri) to August 27 (Sun)
- Cormorant Fishing Recreation Folding Screen
(Left panel of pair) -
Mid-Edo Period
Owned by Gifu City Museum of HistoryExhibition PeriodAugust 29 (Tue) to September 24 (Sun)
- Cormorant Fishing Design Tsuba
(Handguard for Japanese swords) -
Created by Hiroyoshi, Edo Period
Owned by Gifu City Museum of History
- 69 Stations of Kiso Kano
-
By Utagawa Toyokuni (3rd Generation), 1852
Owned by Gifu City Museum of HistoryExhibition PeriodAugust 29 (Tue) to September 24 (Sun)



