Brushstrokes Across Time: A Landmark Sale of Japan’s Most Revered Artists

On View from May 24 (Sat) to Jun 1(Sun) at Kashima Arts

May 19, 2025: Kashima Art Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Kashima Arts) is proud to present the 22nd volume of the prestigious Japanese Art Auction MEGURU from May 24 (Sat) to June 1 (Sun), 2025.

Launched in 2019, the Japanese Art Auction MEGURU specializes in Japanese art, ranging from Edo and modern Japanese paintings to Western paintings, calligraphy, and crafts. It showcases works from across Japan to art enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.

This auction will feature masterpieces by renowned artists who have adorned the history of Japanese art, including Ito Jakuchu and Maruyama Okyo, as well as Yokoyama Taikan and Hishida Shunso. In addition, the auction features a diverse selection of works, including calligraphy by Saigo Nanshu, Fukuzawa Yukichi, and Inoue Yuichi; Western-style paintings by Foujita Tsuguharu and Nakagawa Kazumasa; and folk art and crafts by Munakata Shiko and Kitaoji Rosanjin. The auction will also include a substantial collection of ukiyo-e prints by Utagawa Hiroshige and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi—both of whom continue to gain popularity in Japan and internationally—as well as shin-hanga works by Yoshida Hiroshi and Kawase Hasui.

MEGURU Vol.22 will also cast a spotlight on Tanaka Isson, who was the subject of a major retrospective at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno last year—and Terasaki Kogyo, a leading figure in modern Japanese painting alongside Yokoyama Taikan and others. Japanese Art Auction MEGURU endeavors to spread the allure of Japanese art to the world and to serve as a bridge to pass on its value to the next generation. Please enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime encounter with exceptional works of art.

MEGURU Vol.22 Highlights

Tanaka Isson

Tanaka Isson was given the artistic name “Beison” by his father, a sculptor, when he was eight years old, and changed it to “Isson” in 1947 (at the age of 40). This auction will feature seven works from his time as Beison. These works from his younger days are a concentrated expres- sion of Isson’s passion, with vibrant colors coexisting with powerful, dense ink. Additionally, the auction will feature “Avalokitesvara,” a work exhibited at the “Tanaka Isson: Light and Soul,” which was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum last year and received great acclaim. MEGURU Vol.22 offers a rare opportunity to glimpse into the world painted by a young Tanaka Isson.

Terasaki Kogyo

Terasaki Kogyo participated in the founding of Nihon Bijutsuin together with Yokoyama Taikan and Shimomura Kanzan under Okakura Tenshin, and also played an active role as a judge for the Bunten exhibition (sponsored by the Ministry of Education) and as an Imperial Household Artist. With a sophisticated style that incorporates modern colors, spatial expression, and realism on top of solid techniques, he reigned at the top of the Japanese painting world from the late Meiji period to the early Taisho period. In this auction, we will be offering five hanging scrolls and two folding screens, including sceneries, landscapes, and portraits. Please enjoy this collection of works that highlight the diverse style unique to Terasaki Kogyo, who made the techniques of various schools his own.

Preview starting from 5/24 (Sat) to 6/1 (Sun)!

During the preview, a selection of works offered at auction are exhibited throughout Kashima Arts. Presented without glass casing, the preview offers an excellent oppor- tunity to view the works up close and assess their condition and scale in person. Bids may also be placed in person by filling out an application form at the gallery. No reservation is required and admission is free, so please feel free to drop in.

• Preview: May 24 (Sat) to June 1 (Sun), 2025
• Hours: 10:00-18:00 Free admission / Open daily
• Venue: Kashima Arts Co., Ltd. 3-3-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031 Exhibiting Works: 567 lots

* Some works may not be exhibited at the preview. If you would like to view specific lots, please contact our staff.

* For customers who are unable to visit, please feel free to contact us for a condition report.

Access all the lots online!

All lots listed on the Japanese Art Auction MEGURU Vol.22 can be viewed and bid online. Whether at home, or away, you can participate via your computer, smartphone, or any other internet accessible device

The Japanese Auction MEGURU Catalogue

Featuring details and images of all 567 lots, please take this opportunity to contact Kashima Arts for a free catalogue.

Simultaneous event! Web-exclusive live bidding auction

In collaboration with the Japanese Art Auction MEGURU Vol.22, we will hold a web-exclusive auction. You can participate through the Japanese Art Auction MEGURU website from

May 16 (Fri) through Jun 9 (Mon) 2025, 9pm JST.

Japanese Art Auction MEGURU Vol.22 Event Outline

May 24 (Sat) – June 1 (Sun), 2025 10:00～18:00 Free admission / Open daily Kashima Arts Co., Ltd. 3-3-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 567 lots June 1 (Sunday), 2025, 6pm JST June 3 (Tuesday), 2025, 3pm JST Kashima Arts Co., Ltd., etc.