Beardsley: A Singular Prodigy 2025

The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum in Tokyo is currently hosting a major retrospective exhibition on Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898), a visionary British artist whose intricate black-and-white illustrations captivated audiences in the late 19th century. Running until May 11th, 2025, this exhibition, organized in collaboration with London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), brings together approximately 220 works, offering a rare opportunity to explore Beardsley’s brief but groundbreaking career.

Despite his short life, Beardsley left a lasting impact on the art world with his bold compositions and masterful linework, often created by candlelight. His works, heavily influenced by the Decadent and Aesthetic movements, challenged Victorian norms with their striking visual style and controversial themes. The exhibition features some of his most renowned illustrations, including "Le Morte d'Arthur" (1893-94 by Malory, "Salome" (1894) by Oscar Wilde—especially famous in Japan—and his final masterpiece, "Mademoiselle de Maupin" (1898) by Gautier. Visitors will also see rare hand-drawn sketches, colored posters, and decorative works, offering insight into his artistic evolution.

A highlight of this exhibition is the 150 pieces on loan from the V&A, which houses one of the world’s most significant Beardsley collections. His career, from his early successes to his later works after his dismissal from The Yellow Book, is presented in full, illustrating his relentless artistic ambition despite battling tuberculosis from a young age.

Tickets are priced at 2300 JPY for general admission, and no advance reservations are required. The museum is open from 10am until 6pm (closed on Mondays), with extended hours on select evenings.