From Japan

The Franz Mayer Museum in the "Centro Histórico" has been hosting a special exhibit called "Japón - del Mito a la Manga" (Japan - from Myth to Manga).  The show was assembled with the cooperation of London's Albert and Victoria Museum.

On two different weekends, Alejandro and I were going to view the exhibit.  However there were long lines waiting to enter the museum.  Many of those in line were younger people who were there to see the "manga" (Japanese cartoons) portion of the show.  Finally I went there by myself on a weekday.

The exhibit includes some lovely Japanese decorative arts and 19th century wood prints.  Most were related in some way to Japanese mythology.

A bronze mirror from the 15th century

Cloisonné jars decorated with crows and cherry trees

"Dawn at Susaki on New Year's Day"

1856

"The Seventh Month"

around 1830

Dancers perform for the festival of Tanabata held on the seventh day of the seventh month.

"Rabbits Making 'Mochi' on the Moon"

around 1859

I found it interesting that the Japanese, like the Aztecs, do not talk about the "man in the moon", but instead, the "rabbit in the moon".  According to Japanese myth, the Lord of the Sky descended to earth.  The rabbit had nothing to give the god, so he offered himself as food.  The god, impressed by the animal's kindness, instead placed the rabbit on the moon so that all would remember him.

Here a band of rabbits is making "mochi", rice cakes.

"The Monster Catfish Causing Chaos"

around 1855

In mythology this monstrous fish was the cause of earthquakes.

"Mountains of Spring No. 8"

1830

This print shows the mountain witch Yamauba.

The star of the show was this 1831 print by Hokusai, called "The Great Wave off Kanagawa".  It has been called the most famous work of Japanese art.

Three boats face a tsunami-like wave.  In the background is Mt. Fuji.  The print is quite tiny.

The portion of the show relating to "manga" was of less interest to me.

Painting on celluloid for the "Sailor Moon" cartoon series

 Stuffed animal of a character from the "Pokémon" cartoon series, part of the world's highest grossing media franchise

Pikachu, the most famous character from "Pokémon", dressed here in traditional Japanese attire.

Frankly, the show would not have been worth waiting in line, and the admission of 180 pesos for the exhibit alone was rather steep by Mexican standards.