1. Hanabusa Itcho’s The Death of the Historical Buddha—first homecoming after its first restoration in some 170 years

Itcho, who excelled at portraying humorous subjects from urban life in Edo, here depicts the death of the Buddha. The painting—some 4.8 meters high with its mounting included—underwent a thorough restoration requiring one year, before its first Japan homecoming. The facial expressions of the bodhisattvas, arhats, and many animals in their deep sorrow are a must see.

2. Arriving together in Japan—Van Gogh’s “Monsieur and Madame Roulin”

When Van Gogh moved to Arles, southern France, Joseph and Augustine Roulin helped him set up house and became loyal friends. We can imagine how dear they appeared to him when painting their portraits. Van Gogh’s Monsieur and Madame Roulin will be displayed together in Japan for the first time.

3. Stories of the collectors behind one of the world’s foremost collections

Numerous works in the Museum of Fine Arts collection were acquired with the aid of individual collectors, many of them Boston citizens. The exhibition will relate stories of these fascinating, public-spirited people and the artworks.