Gion Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s most iconic summer traditions. During the festival period, Kyoto’s historic merchant houses and long-established businesses open their doors to display treasured folding screens, paintings, and art objects that have been passed down through generations. This unique custom is known as Byobu Matsuri, or “Folding Screen Festival”, and Chiso has long participated in this cultural tradition. For Chiso’s 2026 Byobu Matsuri exhibition, we present “Folding Screens by Chikudo” in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Kishi Chikudo (1826–1897).

Kishi Chikudo is one of the leading painters of the Kyoto art world in the Meiji period (1868-1912). He was renowned for his paintings created for the Kyoto Imperial Palace and major temples, and in 1896 he was appointed an Imperial Household Artist.

Chiso and Chikudo shared a deep historical connection. Chikudo served as the painting teacher of Chiso’s 12th-generation head, Nishimura Sozaemon, and from the early Meiji period he created original designs for Chiso’s Yuzen-dyed and embroidered textiles. At a time when many painters hesitated to work on decorative arts and craft designs, Chikudo’s pioneering involvement introduced painterly expression into Chiso’s textile creations, which subsequently gained acclaim both in Japan and internationally.

One particularly significant work, “Otsu and Karasaki” (Collection of Chiso Holdings, not exhibited in this exhibition), was originally presented under the Nishimura name at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 held in the United States. Last year, it was newly designated an Important Cultural Property as a work by Chikudo himself. Historical records also reveal that Chikudo provided artistic guidance to textile dyeing and embroidery artisans, reflecting the strong relationship between the painter and Chiso’s craft tradition.

This exhibition features three large-scale folding screens by Chikudo, each with a documented connection to Meiji-period domestic and international expositions. Also on display are smaller works being shown publicly for the first time, preparatory sketches for folding screens and sliding-door paintings, and archival materials illustrating Chiso’s collaboration with the artist.

We invite you to enjoy this exceptional collection, uniquely presented through the longstanding relationship between Chiso and Kishi Chikudo.

Special Gallery Opening During the Gion Festival Yoiyama

During the Yoiyama of the Gion Festival, Kyoto’s historic residences and merchant houses traditionally unveil treasured artworks and family heirlooms as part of the Byobu Matsuri custom, bringing added vibrancy to the city’s summer celebrations.

In keeping with this tradition, Chiso Gallery will also present folding screens and works from its collection during this special season. To allow visitors to experience the exhibition alongside the festive atmosphere of Gion Matsuri, the gallery will offer special opening hours on the following Yoiyama dates, with adjusted days and times.

・July 15 (Wed.) – 16 (Thu.), 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
・July 22 (Wed.), 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Chiso Folding Screen Festival 2026: "Folding Screens by Chikudo"
June 27 (Sat.) – September 1 (Tue.), 2026

■Temporary Closure:
・July 10 (Fri.), after 1:00 p.m. (Due to an event)

■ Special Opening Schedule:
・July 15 (Wed.) – 16 (Thu.), 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
・July 22 (Wed.), 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

■ Summer Holiday Closing Dates:
・August 12 (Wed.) – August 16 (Sun.)

Admission free
Closed Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

※Opening hours follow those of the CHISO Flagship store.
※Hours may change due to temporary closures.

CHISO GALLERY – gallery 1
2nd floor of the CHISO Flagship store
80 Mikura-cho, Sanjyo Karasuma Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto

〈Access〉
3 minutes walk from subway "Karasuma Oike" station
7 minutes walk from Hankyu "Karasuma" station

〈Wheelchair & Stroller Access〉
Elevator access is available. Please ask a staff member if you wish to use it.