The Maruki Gallery For The Hiroshima Panels in Saitama prefecture is famous for its ‘Hiroshima Panels’. This series of 15 murals, painted on folding panels, depicts the devastating aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, as well as other nuclear disasters of the 20th century.
The paintings were executed using traditional Japanese black ink, with red added in as a striking contrast to depict the atomic fire. You'll be moved by the anti-war and anti-nuclear sentiments in this iconic series of paintings as they reveal, rather unflinchingly, the brutal and harrowing effects of war. The Hiroshima Panels were featured in the 1987 Oscar-nominated documentary 'Hellfire: A Journey from Hiroshima'.
The Maruki Gallery’s ‘Hiroshima Panels’ were created between 1950 and 1982 by collaborative artist couple Iri Maruki, who focused on ink painting, and his wife Toshi Maruki, who specialised in oil painting. The first 14 panels are displayed in the main building of the gallery, which also exhibits works by young Japanese artists including Kyun-Chome and Sachiko Kazama.
The gallery usually generates its income from admission fees, tours and artwork rentals. Unfortunately, the lack of tourists and forced closure due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic mean that the Maruki Gallery is now facing financial difficulties.
In order to support the museum and keep the ‘Hiroshima Panels’ available to all, the Maruki Gallery is asking for donations from the public. If you would like to support the gallery, you can make your donation of ¥1,000 or more here.
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