2026.02.25

High-resolution facsimile of 18th-century masterpiece Flock of Cranes
donated to Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History through the Tsuzuri Project

Born in 1721 in Akashi, modern-day Hyogo Prefecture, Ishida was an artist of the Tsurusawa school (a branch of the renowned Kano school). Flock of Cranes showcases Ishida’s signature style, which combines realism with decorative flourishes. Upon close observation, several species of crane can be distinguished—such as the red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, and hooded crane. Their varied postures and movements create a sense of dynamism throughout the composition.

Since the original belongs to the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the donation of the facsimile represents a symbolic homecoming to the artist’s birthplace. The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, where the facsimile will be exhibited, maintains a significant collection of artworks with ties to the local area and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the region’s history and culture.

Canon photographed the original Flock of Cranes using full-frame mirrorless cameras, processed the data with its proprietary color-matching system, and printed the images using 12-color large-format Canon inkjet printers. Expert Kyoto artisans then applied gold leaf to the facsimile and mounted it on folding screen frames, producing a highly faithful reproduction of the original work.

To commemorate the donation, from February 25 to May 6, the facsimile will be displayed in the lobby of the museum, where visitors will be permitted to photograph and view it up close without a protective case. During the exhibition period, the museum will also exhibit another set of folding screens painted by Yūtei Ishida in a free-admission area. Flock of Cranes will continue to be displayed in future exhibitions and events at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History and will also be used in educational programs.

the official Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History website

Launched in 2007, the Tsuzuri Project is a joint cultural initiative organized by Canon and the Kyoto Culture Association. The project involves producing high-resolution facsimiles of historical artworks by combining Canon’s technical expertise in imaging, processing, and printing with the master craftsmanship of traditional Kyoto artisans. These high-resolution facsimiles are donated to shrines, temples, local governments, museums, and other organizations where they are made available for public display, education, and other purposes. So far, more than 60 high-resolution facsimiles of works by artists including Katsushika Hokusai, Tawaraya Sōtatsu, and Ogata Kōrin have been created.

For more information, please visit the official Tsuzuri Project website

Tsuzuri Project

2026.02.05

Cultural Property Sommelier wanted!

＜Purpose＞

Kyoto National Museum and Kyoto Culture Association launched the “Learning support program for elementary and junior high school students: using high-resolution facsimiles of cultural properties as leaning materials” to offer children opportunities to be more familiar with Japanese cultural properties and to raise their interests on those assets.
Now we are seeking 10 new students who learn art history at university and graduate schools and who satisfy requirement for Cultural Property Sommelier.

＜Detail＞

We seek university or graduate students who are able to participate in the project from next spring. The schooling will start in May 2026, and teaching at elementary and junior high schools will start in June 2026. There will be some gratuity for activities.

＜Application requirements＞

• The requirements for the application are as follows:
• ・Students of university or graduate schools in Kyoto, who also will be enrolled next year
• ・Who has or had taken Japanese Modern Art History class
• ・Whose university or graduate schools must be campus members of Kyoto National Museum
• ・Who will be able to participate schoolings twice or three times a month (Wednesday)

＜Number of the sommelier＞

About 10 people

＜Application period＞

Starting from Early February 2026 to April 15, 2026 until 5:00 PM.

＜Schooling＞

• Two-hour session for twice or three times a month (Wednesday)
• Place: Kyoto National Museum (except the second schooling)
• Teacher: an associate fellow of Kyoto National Museum
• Content: lecture about cultural properties; teaching methods etc.

＜Inquiry＞

Please contact Ohkubo, Kenshi at

＜Organizer＞

Kyoto National Museum, NPO Kyoto Culture Association

Supported by: Kyoto City Board of Education