TANIUCHI Rokuro’s Works; from the covers of the weekly magazine Shukan Shincho
The World of Wax Resist Dyeing, with New Acquisitions

TANIUCHI Rokuro produced the cover art for the weekly magazine Shukan Shincho from its launch in 1956 until his death in 1981, creating more than 1,300 paintings over a quarter of a century. Every year, we explore the world of Taniuchi’s cover art by selecting four groups of those paintings and changing the works on display four times, examining each group from a different perspective.

In this exhibition titled "The World of Wax-Resist Dyeing: With New Acquisitions," we are showcasing original cover art created using the wax-resist dyeing technique. Additionally, we are introducing wax-resist dyed handkerchiefs, obis, and other items donated last year by the family of Taniuchi Rokuro. The wax-resist dyed handkerchiefs and obis were crafted by Taniuchi at the dyeing workshop Rakuda Kobo, which was mainly run by his brother, Shiro. Wax-resist dyeing is a method of dyeing that uses melted wax as a resist agent. After dyeing the fabric, the wax is washed away, leaving the parts where the wax was applied undyed, creating patterns. The thickness of the wax affects the intensity of the color. By cracking the hardened wax, dye can seep into the cracks, allowing for the creation of intricate patterns. Please enjoy the works expressing Taniuchi's unique designs crafted using the wax-resist dyeing technique.