Kanzashi is the title of the largest painting ever painted by Suma Maruki. The title, however, was not given by Suma herself, nor does the painting actually depict Kanzashi. Toshi Maruki wrote a text about the piece, which was painted just a year before Suma’s passing.

“There is a cat, a dog, birds flying through the sky, flowers blooming in abundance – it became a mandala of Grandma’s life. We decided to name the painting Kanzashi, to honor the life of this woman who worked so tirelessly, adorning her life with a sparkling, radiant kanzashi.”

– Suma Maruki Collection: Flowers, People and Living Creatures, Shogakukan, 1984

Maruki Gallery, described by Toshi as a “patchwork gallery” because of its many expansions and renovations over the years, now faces seismic structure and temperature and humidity control problems. We will be closing for renovations starting in October, with a grand reopening planned for May 2027, marking the gallery’s 60th anniversary. For the rest of the time before the long-term closure, we are pleased to present an exhibition under the title Kanzashi, featuring masterpieces by Iri, Toshi, and Suma, such as The Story of the Island of Yap by Toshi, newly restored. We hope visitors will enjoy a selection of the masterpieces by Iri, Toshi and Suma before its renovation.

Iri Maruki, Peonies, 1943
Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels

Toshi Maruki, The Story of the Island of Yap, 1943
Hisako Maruki Collection