Family Focus Guide This guide is available on the web at the page that describes the Masterpieces exhibit. It is also available at the desk in the lobby on weekends.

Thirty-Six Immortal Poets Japanese poetry connects to a number of artworks in the exhibit: "Animal Scroll Story" and "Portrait of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro." Here are the thirty-six poems with links to Wikipedia where you'll learn more information and see imaginary portraits of the poets. Also catalog essay pages 24 - 39.

One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets In the 12th century a member of the Japanese Imperial court compiled an anthology of one poem from each of the most famous poets from the 6th century to the 12th centuries. The anthology remains a beloved part of Japanese literature to this day. "Vase" shows the card game that is still played using the 100 poems. This document is a selectin of poems from contemplations of nature to love poems. There is a poem by Lady Murasaki, the author of the "Tale of Genji."

The Seven Lucky Gods Artwork connection: "Teapot" pages 138-139. The Shichifukujin are an eclectic group of deities from Japan, India, and China, including Hotei, the God of Happines and Daikoku, the God of Wealth. Today images of the seven appear with great frequency in Japan - on key chains, towels, T-shirts and more. In one popular Japanese tradition, they travel together on their treasure ship Takarabune and visit human ports on New Year's Eve to dispense happiness to believers. Read more about their origins, symbols and legends.

The Eight Views of Lake Biwa Artwork connection: "Plate" Kutani ware pages 148-149. The large plate depicts eight views of Lake Biwa, just north east of Kyoto. In Asia, the number eight when applied to a beautiful place, means that the scene is beautiful in so many ways that the beauty is almost beyond the skill of the artist's brush. However, the artist will select eight views to represent its most beautiful aspects and the scences are based on eight ancient Chinese poems. This PDF containts the list.