2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

The Dawn of Japanese Art Prehistory and Protohistory: the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun Periods (10000B.C. - A.D. 600)   Room 1 May 11, 2010 - November 14, 2010 The Jomon culture began around 12,000 years ago. Earthenware vessels of this age with various motifs and styles are the starting point of "Highlights of Japanese Art." In the Yayoi period (450 B.C.- A.D. 250), pottery with a simplistic yet refined beauty and dotaku bell-shaped bronzes were prominent. Typical objects from the Kofun period (A.D. 250-600), such as haji, sue wares and haniwa figurines, as well as mirrors, arms and armor, saddlery, and accessory, which expresses the essence of metal and glass craftsmanship, are also featured. Current exhibit includes: Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Stream design, From Kehi, Toyo'oka-shi, Hyogo, Yayoi period, 2nd - 1st BC (Important Cultural Property) Jar with Spout at Base and Human-Figure Ornament, From Tokoshinai, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, Jomon period, 2000-1000BC (Important Cultural Property) House with Hipped and Gabled Roof , Haniwa (Terracotta Tomb Ornament), From Tobi, Sakurai-shi, Nara, Kofun period, 5th century (Important Cultural Property) Footed Jar with Narrow Neck, Sue Stoneware, From Kaniana Tomb, Toshi-cho, Toba-shi, Mie, Kofun (Asuka) period, 7th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kawahara Matsuzo)

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)   Room 1 July 13, 2010 - August 22, 2010 In the mid-6th century, Buddhism was officially introduced into Japan from the kingdom of Baekje on the southeastern coast of the Korean peninsula. Japanese culture made a remarkable progress with the adoption of Buddhism. This gallery features early Buddhist statues, sutras, reliquaries, and ritual implements from the Asuka and Nara periods. Current exhibit includes: Standing Bosatsu (Bodhisattva), Asuka period, 7th century Vinaya in Four Divisions: Kaihon Section and Preface, Nara period, dated 766 (Gift of Mr. Hori Tatsu) Bowl, Gilt bronze, Excavated from under the building site of Main Hall, Kofukuji, Nara, Nara period, 8th century (National Treasure) Bowl, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property) Eight Nested Bowls, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

National Treasure Gallery  Poems of Bai Letian Room 2 July 13, 2010 - August 22, 2010 This room is specially designed for the comfortable viewing of masterpieces in a tranquil setting. With each rotation, one exceptional work of painting or calligraphy designated as National Treasure will be presented. The selections come from the Museum's collection or works that are on loan to the Museum. On Exhibit: Poems of Bai Letian, By Fujiwara no Kozei, Heian period, dated 1018 (National Treasure)

Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)   Room 3 July 13, 2010 - August 22, 2010 Buddhist art is one of the major genres that define Japanese art. Many masterworks date from the late Heian period, a time characterized as classical in Japanese art history. After the Kamakura period, Buddhist art further developed in its materials, methods, and styles as Zen schools and other new Buddhist schools emerged, together with the influence from the Chinese arts. This exhibit features artworks from the Heian to Kamakura periods, when Buddhist art most flourished, adding siginificant objects from the Nanbokucho and Muromachi periods. Current exhibit includes: Guardian Dog, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kibitsu Jinjya, Hiroshima) Amitabha tahtagata, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Iwaki Municipality, Fukushima) Prayers of Fujiwara no Moromichi, Heian period, dated 1088 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection) Incense Burner, With bottle weight at the end of handle, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kongoji, Osaka)

Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)   Room 3 July 13, 2010 - August 22, 2010 The courtiers were strongly involved in the arts through the Heian and Muromachi periods, their aesthetic tastes playing a great role in Japanese art history. Literature works such as waka poems and other calligraphy written by courtiers, and e-maki narrative picture scrolls are displayed in this room with decorative art objects. Current exhibit includes: Two Charactors "Tetu Gyu" (Iron Bull), By Youso Soui, Muromachi period, 15th century Chinese Poet Li Haku (Li Bai) Viewing a Waterfall, Inscription by Isho Tokugan, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)   Room 3 July 13, 2010 - August 22, 2010 This gallery features works by famous artists of the landscape-painting genre, along with famous works of bokuseki (calligraphy by Zen priests). Current exhibit includes: Illustrated Story about a Monstrous Spider Tsutsigumo and Minamoto no Raiko, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property) Kokin Waka Shu Poetry Anthology, Sujigire segment, Attributed to Fujiwara no Sari, Heian period, 12th century (Important Art Object) Fragment from an Anthology of Poems Composed by Fujiwara no Takamitsu, Attributed to Kujo Noriie, Kamakura period, 13th century

Art of the Tea Ceremony   Room 4 May 25, 2010 - August 8, 2010 This gallery highlights the way of tea through its various art works such as paintings and calligraphy, vases, vessels for kaiseki meals, kettles, tea caddies, and tea bowls. Current exhibit includes: Tea Bowl, Known as "Kimura", Horimishima type, Joseon dynasty, 16th - 17th century, Korea (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige) Water Jar, Pail shape, Kosometsuke type, Jingdezhen ware, Ming dynasty, 17th century, China (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige) Tea Caddy, Pail shape; Lotus and heron design in overglaze enamels, Jingdezhen ware, Ming - Qing dynasty, 17th century, China (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige) Tea Scoop, By Takeno Jo'o, Muromachi period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige) Letter, By Sen Rikyu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)   Room 5 & 6 June 15, 2010 - August 29, 2010 Beginning with the sword which is the most important possession of a samurai, this gallery focuses on arms and armor, saddlery, attire of the warriors as well as their portraits and hand-writings. Current exhibit includes: Armor Haramaki Style, Black leather lacing with red and white lacing at shoulders and hem in kata-susodori style, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property) Tachi Style Sword Mounting, With scabbard decorated with spiral bands of silver plated copper on black lacquered ground, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Watanabe Kunio) Tachi Sword, By Kunimune, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Toshogu, Tochigi)

Folding Screen and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)   Room 7 June 29, 2010 - August 8, 2010 This gallery is dedicated to the genre of shohei-ga, which includes mural paintings, fusuma paintings and byobu paintings. The room is especially designed for an effective display of grand-scale paintings. Current exhibit includes: Landscape, By Unkoku Togan, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)   Room 8 May 11, 2010 - August 1, 2010 The maturing of Japanese culture supported by the military and commoner classes continued throughout the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods. This gallery introduces the craft of interior furnishings and daily utensils that adorned the life of the people during these periods. Current exhibit includes: Writing box, Yatsuhashi bridge design in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, By Ogata Korin, Edo period, 18th century (National Treasure, on exhibit through June 13, 2010) Katabira (Summer garment), Paulownia and phoenix design on white ramie, Edo period, 19th century Mirror, Paulownia and bamboo design, Signature Ao Ietsugu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 Lobed Dish, Flowering plant design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century Cornered Mukozuke Dishes, Plum tree design, Mino ware, Oribe type, Edo period, 17th century (Private collection)

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)   Room 8 June 29, 2010 - August 8, 2010 This gallery introduces the dynamic and multi-faceted world of paintings and calligraphy from the Azuchi-Momoyama to the Edo period. Current exhibit includes: Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn, By Sakai Hoitsu, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property) Poem about Ten Views of Lake Xi, By Hosoi Kotaku, Edo period, dated 1720 Letter, By Shu Shunsui, Edo period, 17th century

Noh and Kabuki  Masks and Costumes from the Noh Play, Eguchi Room 9 July 6, 2010 - August 29, 2010 Features the Noh play "Eguchi", the costumes and masks dating from the Muromachi period to Edo period. Exhibit includes: Sumiboshi Hat (Noh costume), Clematis on indigo ground, Formerly owned by the Komparu Troupe, Edo period, 18th century Karaori Garment (Noh costume), Pine trees and sails on gold ground, Formerly owned by the Uesugi family, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c)  Ukiyo-e Room 10 July 27, 2010 - August 22, 2010 This gallery shows individualistic and manifold works of the ukiyo-e artists, ranging from depictions of pleasure quarters, kabuki plays, traditional bird and flower motifs and narrative pictures, to landscapes. Exhibit includes: Woman with Fan after Taking Bath, By Katsukawa Shunsho, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object) Beauties of the East: Oshima and Onaka from Nakacho, By Kitao Shigemasa, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object) 100 Famous Places of Edo: Fireworks at Ryogoku, By Utagawa Hiroshige, Edo period, dated 1858 Night View of the Sumida River, By Katsukawa Shunzan, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design   Room 10 July 6, 2010 - August 29, 2010 Introduces the fashion of the Edo period townspeople. Enjoy comparing with the ukiyo-e works exhibited in the same room. Current exhibit includes: Katabira (Summer garment), Fan, snowflak, cosmetic box and autumn grass design on red-black ramie, Edo period, 17th century Katabira (Summer garment), Bamboo and plum design on red ramie, Edo period, 18th century Inro (Medicine case), Priest Saigyo viewing Mount Fuji design in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, Meiji period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Quincy A. Shaw)

2nd floor

Masterpieces of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy   Room T1 July 27, 2010 - August 22, 2010 This exhibition showcases outstanding examples of the Daoist-Buddhist painting genre produced in China, predominantly during the Song and Yuan dynasties. The calligraphy section of this exhibition provides an overview of developments in the art from the mid to late Ming dynasty. Current exhibit includes: Sixteen Arhats: The First Arhat, Pindolabharadraja, Northern Song dynasty, 10th - 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Seiryoji, Kyoto) Sixteen Arhats: The Second Arhat, Kanakavatsa, By Jin Dashou, Southern Song dynasty, 12th century (Important Cultural Property) Sahasrabhuja (Thousand Armed Guanyin), Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Eihoji, Gifu) August Heaven, Yuan dynasty, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Reiunji, Tokyo) Arhat, By Caishan, Yuan dynasty, 14th century (Important Cultural Property) Poem in Running Script, By Wen Zhengming, Ming dynasty, dated 1538 (Privete collection) Poem in Semicursive and Running-Cursive Script, By Dong Qichang, Ming dynasty, dated 1621 Poem in Cursive Script, By Zhang Ruitu, Ming dynasty, 16th - 17th century (Lent by Shogeibunkain, Tokyo)

Family Gallery  Music Festival at the Museum   Room T2 August 3, 2010 - September 5, 2010 >> detailed information This Family Gallery exhibition showcases a selection of artworks depicting music and musical instruments in use in Japan since ancient times. Exhibit includes: Harp (Reproduction), Meiji period, 19th century, Original: Nara period, 8th century Bell (For use in a Buddhist temple), Kamakura period, dated 1306 Illustrated Scroll with Images of Gagaku Musicians and Instruments, Edo period, 18th century Female Haniwa with Bells, Kofun period, 6th century (Important Cultural Property)

1st floor

Thematic Exhibition  The Path of Buddha  Room T5 March 24, 2010 - April 3, 2011 >> detailed information This display traces the development of Buddhist statues from Gandhara (Ancient India), China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan to provide insights about how Buddhist beliefs and statues developed in each region. Exhibit includes: Buddha, Gandhara, Pakistan, Kushan dynasty, 2nd - 3rd century Buddha Triad, China, Eastern Wei dynasty, 6th century (Important Cultural Property) Buddha, Asuka period, 7th century (Important Cultural Property)

1st floor

Japanese Sculpture   Room 11 July 6, 2010 - September 12, 2010 This gallery introduces the history of sculptural art in Japan through prototypical wood-sculptures featuring examples dating from the Heian and Kamakura periods, the zenith of Japanese sculpture. Current exhibit includes: Standing Bosatsu (Bothisattva), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property) Standing Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), Kamakura period, 13th century Standing Attendants of Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings), By Koen, Kamakura period, dated 1267 (Important Cultural Property) Amida Nyorai (Amitabha) and Two Attendants, Heian period, dated 1176 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Saiko-in, Saitama) Seated Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri) and Attendants, By Koen, Formerly owned by Kofuku-ji, Nara, Kamakura period, dated 1273 (Important Cultural Property)

Sculpture and Metal Art  Two Dainichi Nyorai Statues and Sculpture of the Kei School  Room 12 July 6, 2010 - September 12, 2010 >> detailed information The two Dainichi Nyorai (Skt., Mahavairocana) statues exhibited here show many similarities in style and structure, as well as in the types of dedicatory objects enshrined within the statues and the manner of their installation. Both statues are thought to be the works of the Kamakura-period Buddhist sculptor, Unkei. Exhibit Includes: Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Heian - Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Shinnyoen, Tokyo) Gyodo Mask "Bosatsu", By Kaikei, Kamakura period, dated 1201 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jyodoji, Hyogo) Seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Heian - Kamakura period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kotokuji, Tochigi)

Ceramics   Room 13 June 15, 2010 - September 12, 2010 Focuses on kyo-yaki, Imari ware and other ceramics from the Edo period, together with ceramic ware related to the tea ceremony. Featuring motifs of the season, the works on view are organized by their origins to highlight their styles. Current exhibit includes: Tea Leaf Jar, Moon and plum tree in overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property) Tiered Food Box with Handle, Dragon and waves design in underglaze blue, By Aoki Mokubei, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kasagi Toru) Square Dish, Chinese poet watching sea gulls in underglaze iron brown, By Ogata Korin and Shinsei, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property) Bowl, Nezumi-Shino type, Wagtail design, Mino ware, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware   Room 13 June 15, 2010 - September 12, 2010 Features maki-e works from Heian to Edo period. The exhibit shows the history and beauty of maki-e, a unique lacquerwork method that developed in Japan. Current exhibition includes: Writing Box, Scene portrayting a poem Known as "Otokoyama" in maki-e laquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property) Tebako (Cosmetic Box), Wheels-in-stream design in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure) Writing Box, Ivy with brushwood fence design in maki-e lacquer, By Koma Kyui, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Swords and Sword-fittings   Room 13 June 29, 2010 - September 26, 2010 Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Katana Sword, By Masamune. Current exhibit includes: Tanto Sword, Known as "Atsushi-Tosiro", By Yoshimitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure) Katana Sword, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure) Sword Guard, Tomoe comma design in openwork, By Nobuie, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Decorative Arts  Cizhou-Type Ceramic Pillows  Room 14 June 1, 2010 - August 8, 2010 >> detailed information Ceramic pillows were arguably the most distinctive objects produced at the Cizhou kilns, and their varied shapes and designs are imbued with the hopes and dreams of craftspeople from centuries past. Exhibit includes: Pillow, Transparent glaze with peony carved through the iron black slip to the white slipped body, Cizhou type, Northern Song dynasty, 12th century, China (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke) Lion-shaped Pillow, Transparent glaze on the white slipped body, Cizhou type, Attributed provenance: Julu, Hebei province, China, Northern Song dynasty, 11th - 12th century, China (Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke)

Material Culture Ryukyu  Decorative Arts of Ryukyu  Room 15 July 6, 2010 - October 3, 2010 >> detailed information The Tokyo National Museum's collection of Ryukyu cultural items contains a number of items that reflect the vibrancy and character of Ryukyu decorative arts. Items displayed include lacquerware, metalwork, ceramics, pottery, and items of the noro(female ritual officers). Exhibit includes: Cinerary Urn, Okinawa Main Island, 18th - 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tsutsumi Satoshi) Dogin (Inner garment), Amami Oshima Island, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko, on exhibit from August 24, 2010) Ritual Beads Necklace, Amami Oshima Island, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko) Hair Ornament for Common Class Women on Ceremony, Okinawa Main Island, 19th century Hair Ornament for an Amushirare (Ritual Officer), Amami Oshima Island, 18th century (Gift of Ms. Yamato Ryoko)

Historic Material  Historical Collection: Speaking to the Future Series - Historic Photographs: Portraits  Room 16 July 13, 2010 - August 1, 2010 >> detailed information This fourth exhibition of the Historic Photographs series focuses on people in photography, featuring photographs of the Edo shogunate's delegation to Europe, along with portraits of political figures of the Meiji period. Exhibit includes: Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador, Observer and Group Leader of the 2nd Diplomatic Envoy of the Edo Shogunate, By Nadar, Edo period, dated 1862 Photographs of Edo Castle , Compiled by Ninagawa Noritane, 1871 (Important Cultural Property) Katsu Kaishu, By Ueno Hikoma, Edo period, 19th century Mrs. Inoue Kaoru, By J.Schaarwachter, Meiji period, 19th century

Preserving Our Cultural Properties   Room 17 March 24, 2010 - December 12, 2010 The preservation and conservation of cultural properties are essential aspects of our Museum's mission. From this point of view, this room features object research and examination, environmental maintenance of storage and exhibition rooms, and conservation procedures applied in accordance to materials and conditions of the objects.

Modern Art   Room 18 June 29, 2010 - August 1, 2010 This gallery features paintings and sculptures from the Meiji to Taisho period. Since it first opened in 1872 as the exposition venue of the Ministry of Education, Tokyo National Museum has collected important artworks that signify the development of modern Japanese art. The exhibit consists of selected works from the collection. Current exhibit includes: Aged Monkey, By Takamura Koun, 1893 (Important Cultural Property) Woman Forced to Trample on a Tablet with the Crucifixion, By Kobayashi Kokei, 1914 Tokiwa Bridge across Sukawa River, By Takahashi Yuichi, 1881 - 82

Modern Decorative Arts   Room 19 June 8, 2010 - September 5, 2010 The museum played a great role in the development of modern Japanese decorative arts. This gallery features exhibits from the National Industrial Exhibitions of the Meiji period, now in the museum collection. Current exhibit includes: Vase, Butterfly and peony design in relief, By Seifu Yohei III, 1892 Tebako (Cosmetic box), Bush clover and butterfly design in maki-e lacquer, By Sawada Sotakusai, 1892 Portrait of Fujiwara no Kamatari, By Shimamura Shunmei, 1892 Plaque, Moon and wild geese design in inlay, By Kano Natsuo, 1897 Footed Bowl , With applied crabs and brown glaze, By Miyagawa Kozan I , 1881 (Important Cultural Property)

The Four Stages of Ichiboku Sculpture Carving   Room 20 June 15, 2010 - October 3, 2010 >> detailed information This display follows a four-step process to create a model of Sho Kannon, an Important Cultural Property from Daigoji Temple in Kyoto.