Treasures of the Divine world: japanese icons by Hiroko Kozuki
Exhibitions
6+

Treasures of the Divine world: japanese icons by Hiroko Kozuki

Kolomenskoe
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July 25 — September 28, 2025

Fri., Sat. 10:00-20:00
Tue. - Thu., Sun. 10:00-18:00

Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, Small Exhibition Hall, Entrance 5 bldg 69, 39 Prospekt Andropova

Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve presents the exhibition project “Treasures of the Divine World: Japanese Icons by Hiroko Kozuki”.

The exhibition at the Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich demonstrates the unique consonance of the two cultures, expressed in the monuments of religious art. The exhibition focuses on the works of Japanese artist Hiroko Kozuki, who creates icons in strict compliance with ancient Russian canons, as well as traditional Russian icon painting from the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve collection.

Hiroko Kozuki has been engaged in icon painting for more than 25 years. An art expert by training, she studied medieval religious art. During her husband’s diplomatic work in Russia, Ms. Kozuki became closely acquainted with Russian icon painting and developed passion for the art. She grew up in a culture where the traditional religions are Buddhism and Shintoism, coexisting for a long time in Japan. However, in Orthodox churches Ms. Kozuki feels serenity, spirituality and loftiness. According to the artist, the icon is her inspiration and the path to happiness. Her works make a bridge between East and West, embodying the universal language of spiritual search.

The curators of the exhibition at the Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich focus on comparing the works of Hiroko Kozuki with the icons of the 17th-19th centuries. This technique demonstrates traditional art transcending the boundaries of time, geography, and religion. The works of Hiroko Kozuki and ancient Russian icons point out that the spiritual heritage is not confined to one certain era or culture. This is a meeting of two worlds, where respect for the canon becomes the basis for mutual enrichment, whereas beauty and harmony are part of the human unity patterns. The artist thoughtfully studies the legacy of outstanding icon painters and recreates not only the techniques, but also the sacred depth of the icons, filling them with the contemplative tranquility characteristic of Japanese aesthetics.

Some of Hiroko Kozuki’s works are based on Byzantine icon paintings. For example, the icon “Annunciation” of 2016 is a copy of the 14th-century two-sided icon “Our Lady of Psychosotria and the Annunciation”. It is a monument of Palaiologan Renaissance art, bestowed by Emperor Andronikos II to Ohrid Cathedral. This example recalls Byzantium as the source of Christianity and icon worship for Russia, as well as emphasizes that the spiritual world enclosed in the icon resonates with people at different times.

музей–заповедник

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