The 1500s were a time of ruinous wars in Japan. The 1600s? A time of artistic renewal. In Kyoto, two merchants began to work in a style that recalled Japan’s earlier Heian period, using bold colors and glittering gold and silver pigments in a modernized twist to produce decorated scrolls, textiles, lacquerware, and ceramics. The painter Tawaraya Sōtatsu and his atelier created landscapes using techniques like tarashikomi (“dropping in”), putting paint to still-wet surfaces to create ripples and pools. Hon’ami Kōetsu, a master calligrapher, would pen his characters over Sōtatsu’s painting in a pairing now held up as one of the most important artistic collaborations in Japanese history. Thirty-seven objects created by the original masters and their later disciples are now on display at the Freer Gallery. Read more >>> The exhibition is on view daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to Jan. 3, at the Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. Free. (202) 633-4880. asia.si.edu.
EAT THIS
If you’re interested in escaping the Fourth of July patriarchy, check out RareSweets for some first lady inspired goodies today through July 3. The treats range from Hillary Clinton’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies ($2) to Eleanor Roosevelt‘s angel food cake ($5 per slice or $40 for the entire cake). Lady Bird Johnson and Mamie Eisenhower are also represented with lemon bars ($2.50) and chocolate fudge ($6), respectively. RareSweets, 963 Palmer Alley NW. (202) 499-0077. raresweets.com. (Olivia Adams)
OH AND ALSO
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a reading of Alice Childress‘ 1962 play Wedding Band, about a couple in an interracial relationship in World War I-era South Carolina, at the Lansburgh Theatre. 7:30 p.m. at 450 7th St. NW. Free, reservations required.
Manchester, England-based rock quartet PINS keeps the Pride celebrations going and performs at DC9 with Brooklyn-based act Beverley. 9 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12.
Canadian hardcore band Fucked Up celebrates the release of Year of the Hare, the seventh single in its Zodiac series, with a show at the Howard Theatre featuring Doomsquad. 8 p.m. at 620 T St. NW. $15.
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