High-Definition Replica of Jakuchu’s National Treasure Doshoku Saie on Display at Tokyo National Museum

A high-resolution replica of the national treasure Doshokusaie, also known as the Colorful Realm of Living Beings, is set for public display at the Tokyo National Museum. The project is a collaboration between Canon Inc. And the National Center for Cultural Properties.

The replica will be exhibited at the museum’s Hyokeikan from April 17 to May 17, 2026. This exhibition allows the public to view all thirty scrolls of the monumental work, which was originally painted by the mid-Edo period artist Ito Jakuchu.

Technological Collaboration for Cultural Access

Since 2018, Canon and the Cultural Properties Utilization Center have partnered on a research project designed to increase public access to cultural properties. The Doshokusaie replica is the latest result of this initiative, which has already produced 18 high-resolution replicas.

These replicas are designed to provide viewing experiences that original pieces cannot offer. The high-resolution technology enables visitors to see intricate details through close-up views and immersive exhibits that blend tradition with modern technology.

The Artistry of Ito Jakuchu

Ito Jakuchu (1716–1800) was a prominent painter of the mid-Edo period. The Doshokusaie is considered one of his greatest masterpieces and a significant work in the history of Japanese painting.

The series consists of 30 pieces that Jakuchu meticulously created over a decade. The work is celebrated for its lifelike representations of avian species, insects, fish and flora, utilizing vibrant colors and innovative artistic techniques.

One such technique used by Jakuchu is urazaishiki, where colors are applied to silk from both the front and the back to achieve specific visual effects.

Specific notable works within the series include:

• Himawari Yukei-zu (Rooster, Sunflowers and Morning Glories)
• Chihen Gunchu-zu (Insects and Reptiles at a Pond)
• Rogan-zu (Wild Goose and Snow-covered Reeds)

Historical and Institutional Context

The original 30 paintings of the Doshoku Sai-e series are held by the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, which is part of the Imperial Household Agency. These paintings were designated as a national treasure in 2021.

Jakuchu’s realistic style and experimentation with perspective made him highly popular during his lifetime. In the 20th century, his work was highlighted in the 1970 book Kisō no Keifu (Lineage of Eccentrics) by Nobuo Tsuji, which categorized him as an artist who broke with tradition.

The creation of these high-resolution facsimiles ensures that the intricate details of Jakuchu’s work remain accessible for educational outreach and public appreciation, bridging the gap between the preservation of national treasures and the experience of the general public.