The Ikegami Hyakuchiku-tei Collection consists of 221 pieces, mainly contemporary literary materials, collected by Ikegami Kisaku (pen name: Hyakuchiku-tei, 1890–1978), a literary figure from Matsumoto. This exhibition features works by authors such as Musyakoji Saneatsu.

The literary magazine Shirakaba was founded in 1910 by a circle of influential figures,　including writers Musyakoji Saneatsu and Shiga Naoya, painter Arishima Ikuma, and philosopher Yanagi Muneyoshi. The magazine had a profound impact on young people by actively introducing Western art and literature alongside Japanese works. This influence was particularly strong in Nagano Prefecture among young educators, even leading to the publication of a local version titled Shinshu Shirakaba. Ikegami Kisaku was among those deeply inspired by this movement.

In 1933, Ikegami, together with poet and folklorist Kurumizawa Kannai, organized a lecture series in Matsumoto titled Hanashi wo Kikukai (Gathering to Listen), inviting Musyakoji—a founding member of Shirakaba—as a guest speaker. This exhibition features works by Ikegami and Kurumizawa, alongside pieces by Musyakoji, highlighting the creative bonds they shared.

Furthermore, through his connection with the Shirakaba circle, Ikegami became a supporter of the Mingei (Folk Crafts) movement led by Yanagi Muneyoshi. In 1946, he served as the first chairman of the Nagano Branch of the Nihon Mingei Kyokai (The Japan Folk Crafts Association). Other folk craft items from the Ikegami Hyakuchiku-tei Collection are currently featured in the exhibition commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Mingei, held in the Kamijyo Shinzan Memorial Gallery and the Tamura Kazuo Memorial Gallery. We hope you enjoy both of these concurrent exhibitions.

• List of works