The International Collection : Chihiro Art Museum

The Basic Philosophy behind the Museum Collection

In the belief that outstanding picture book illustrations represent one of humanity's precious cultural treasures, the Chihiro Art Museum strives to collect, preserve and study this genre of original artwork and make it available to the public.
While the Collection focuses primarily on works created after 1945 by picture-book artists of historical significance and active modern-day illustrators, it also includes artwork produced by picture book pioneers from various countries. The Collection now stands as an indispensable element supporting the Chihiro Art Museum's exhibitions, publications, and other activities, all with a focus on picture books and children's culture.
The Museum is committed to serving as a center of art for children and to promote further cultural exchange among national and international children's book organizations.

The International Collection

The Museum's International Collection is one of the largest collections of picture book illustrations in the world. It now consists of nearly 12,000 pieces created by　168 artists from　28 countries (including those on loan to the Museum as of June 2006), comprising a comprehensive overview of the world of art for children. Many of the artists represented in the Collection have received famous international awards, including such accolades as the Randolph Caldecott Medal, the Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award, and the BIB Grand Prize. We hope that you will enjoy the diversity of the International Collection, made possible by gifted illustrators from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

The History of Picture Book Illustrations

This collection is composed of over 100 pieces of original artwork and materials, including The Book of the Dead and manuscripts from medieval times, picture scrolls from Japan's early Edo era, and rare picture books from the 19th and early 20th centuries. This permanent display at the Chihiro Art Museum Azumino offers an overview of the history of this art form, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of how picture books evolved through the ages.