January 28, 2007 (Sun), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

The original Japanese Gallery (designed by the British architect Josiah Conder) was severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. In contrast to western style of the original structure, the design of the present Honkan by Watanabe Jin is the more eastern "Emperor's Crown Style." Construction began in 1932, and the building was opened in 1938. 24 exhibition rooms on two floors provide a thorough introduction into Japanese art: "Highlights of Japanese Art" on the second floor introduces the development of Japanese art from Jomon through to the Edo period in a chronological manner, and genre galleries presenting specific rooms displaying ceramics, swords, lacquerwares, sculptures, modern decorative arts as well as the material culture of Ainu and Ryukyu are located on the first floor.

Highlights of Japanese Art(PDF)

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)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

December 19, 2006 (Tue) -
April 1, 2007 (Sun)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 16, 2007 (Tue) -
February 25, 2007 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery Pine Trees

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
January 28, 2007 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 16, 2007 (Tue) -
February 25, 2007 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 16, 2007 (Tue) -
February 25, 2007 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 16, 2007 (Tue) -
February 25, 2007 (Sun)
Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

January 16, 2007 (Tue) -
May 6, 2007 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Rooms 5 & 6

December 19, 2006 (Tue) -
March 18, 2007 (Sun)
Folding Screen- and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

December 26, 2006 (Tue) -
January 28, 2007 (Sun)
Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

January 23, 2007 (Tue) -
April 15, 2007 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

December 19, 2006 (Tue) -
January 28, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Bugaku Costumes

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

December 19, 2006 (Tue) -
February 18, 2007 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

December 19, 2006 (Tue) -
February 18, 2007 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 16, 2007 (Tue) -
February 12, 2007 (Mon)

The Dawn of Japanese Art
Prehistory and Protohistory: the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun Periods (10000B.C. - A.D. 600)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

December 19, 2006 (Tue) - April 1, 2007 (Sun)

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, Furthermore, the typical objects of 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, expressing the essence of metal and glass craftsmanship are also featured.
Current exhibit includes:
Deep Bowl, From Horinouchi Shellmound, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, Jomon period, 2000-1000BC
Jar, From Kugahara, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Yayoi period, 1st - 3rd century (Important Cultural Property)
Footed Jar with Ornaments and Diminutives, Sue Stoneware, From Ogasayama, Setouchi-shi, Okayama, Kofun period, 6th century

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka and Nara Periods (6c-8c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 16, 2007 (Tue) - February 25, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Seated Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha), Formerly owned by Kozanji, Kyoto, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Daihannyakyo (Great Wisdom Sutra) Transcribed under the Auspices of Nagayao, Nara period, dated 728 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

National Treasure Gallery Pine Trees

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - January 28, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Pine Trees, By Hasegawa Tohaku, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (National Treasure)

Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 16, 2007 (Tue) - February 25, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Nirvana, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Segment of Hokkekyo (Lotus Sutra), Known as "Kasagi" segment, By Madenokoji Nobufusa, Kamakura period, 14th century

Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 16, 2007 (Tue) - February 25, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Saibara-Sho (Collection of Ancient Ballads), Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property)
Pine Trees on Seashore, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 16, 2007 (Tue) - February 25, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Three Large Characters "Kyu-Go-An"(Hermitage of Former Ages), By Sekishitsu Zenkyu, Nanbokucho period, 14th century
Taikobo (Chinese statesman Lu Shang) and Bun'o (King Wen), Former sliding door paintings of Daisenin, Daitokuji, Kyoto, Attributed to Kano Motonobu, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Art of the Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

January 16, 2007 (Tue) - May 6, 2007 (Sun)

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 Bakohan, Celadon glaze, Longquan ware, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century, China (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Mitsui Takahiro)
Segment from the Wakan Roeishu Poetry Anthology, By Minamoto no Kaneyuki, Heian period, 11th century

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian to Edo Periods (12c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Rooms 5 & 6

December 19, 2006 (Tue) - March 18, 2007 (Sun)

Beginning with the sword as the single most important equipment for 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:
Tachi Sword, By Yoshifusa, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Toshogu, Tochigi)
Yoroi Style Armor, With red lacing, Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Oyamazumi-jinja, Ehime)

Folding Screen- and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

December 26, 2006 (Tue) - January 28, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Chinese Landscape, By Ikeno Taiga, Edo period, 18th century (National Treasure, Gift of Mr, Dan Ino)

Interior Furnishings and Daily Utensils: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

January 23, 2007 (Tue) - April 15, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Picnic Set, Hollyhock crests in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century
Set of Female Court Costumes, Edo period, 19th century
Incense Burner with Lion Knob on Cover, Oribe type, Mino ware, Edo period, dated 1612

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods (16c-19c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

December 19, 2006 (Tue) - January 28, 2007 (Sun)

This gallery introduces the dynamic and multi-faceted world of paintings and calligraphy from the Azuchi-Momoyama to the Edo period.
Current exhibit includes:
God of Longevity, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum, By Ikeno Taiga, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mrs. Uematsu Kayoko)
Album of Paintings on Miscellaneous Subjects, By Tosa Mitsunori, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Shinichiro Okada)
Scroll of Letters, By Otaka Gengo and others, Edo period, 17th - 18th century (Gift of Mr. Takahashi Yasushi)

Thematic Exhibition

Bugaku Costumes

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

December 19, 2006 (Tue) - February 18, 2007 (Sun)

This exhibition introduces bugaku costumes of the medieval and early modern periods, an encounter with the refined colors and design of the Japanese court culture.

Details

Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

December 19, 2006 (Tue) - February 18, 2007 (Sun)

Introduces women's fashion of the Edo period townspeople.
Current exhibit includes:
Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Mandarin oranges and noshi emblem on reddish-black figured satin, Edo period, 17th century
Kosode (Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Paulownia trees and phoenixes on white figured satin, Edo period, 18th century

Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 16, 2007 (Tue) - February 12, 2007 (Mon)

This exhibit focuses on snowscapes, plum blossoms, and other subjects matching the changing seasons: the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Exhibit includes:
Actor Ichikawa Yaozo and Segawa Kikunojo as a Young Couple under an Umbrella in Snow, By Ippitsusai Buncho, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)
Genre Scenes of the Four Seasons, Atributed to Hishikawa Moronobu, Edo period, 17th century

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

Feature Exhibition of the New Year
Celebrating the year of the Boar : Japanese Auspicious Symbols

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
January 28, 2007 (Sun)

Wild Boar, By Ishikawa Komei, Taisho period , ca. 1912 (Gift of the artist)

Thematic Exhibition

Feature Exhibition of the New Year
Celebrating the year of the Boar : Japanese Auspicious Symbols

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - January 28, 2007 (Sun)

Celebrating the New Year 2007, the Tokyo National Museum will open from January 2. The New Year exhibition will feature the year's zodiac sign boar, and the museum will host various family events.

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
April 1, 2007 (Sun)
Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
April 1, 2007 (Sun)
Ceramics - Ceramics of the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods -

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
March 18, 2007 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
March 18, 2007 (Sun)
Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
April 1, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Sekitenki formerly kept at Yushima Confucian Shrine

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
February 25, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

November 28, 2006 (Tue) -
March 4, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
March 4, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Series Japanese Natural History : Sekiten-Festival to Honor Confucius

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
February 25, 2007 (Sun)
Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
April 22, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

The Takano Collection : Oil paintings by Asai Chu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
February 12, 2007 (Mon)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
February 12, 2007 (Mon)
Donations Gallery

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 20

January 2, 2007 (Tue) -
March 4, 2007 (Sun)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - April 1, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Seated Danshin, Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Daishogunhachi-jinja, Kyoto)
Chinese Dog, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kibitsu-jinja, Hiroshima)

Sculpture and Metal Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - April 1, 2007 (Sun)

This gallery introduces many different types of gilt bronze Buddhist statues and figures from the Asuka and Nara periods, such as kyozo (mirror icons) and kakebotoke (hanging icons), as well as Buddhist implements such as candlesticks and incense burners, and implements for esoteric Buddhist rituals.
Current exhibit includes:
Basin for Annointing an Image of the Infant Buddha, Hosoge flower design, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Keman (Pendent Ornament), Lotus flowers design, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga)

Ceramics - Ceramics of the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods -

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - March 18, 2007 (Sun)

Ceramics from the Muromachi through the Edo period are on view, featuring the characteristic tea ceremony wares of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Current exhibit includes:
Tea Leaf Jar, Studio of Ninsei, Moon and plum tree in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Bowl, Imari ware, Red roundels and dragon in overglaze enamels, Edo period, 17th - 18th century (Private collection)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - March 18, 2007 (Sun)

Introduces maki-e works from the Heian through the Edo period. The exhibit overviews the history and charm of maki-e, together with the beauty of Japanese lacquerwork.
Current exhibit includes:
Tebako (cosmetic box) and Its Contents, Plum trees design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Mishima Taisha, Shizuoka)
Writing Box, A poem with the word "funabashi" (pontoon bridge) design in maki-e lacquer, By Hon'ami Koetsu, Edo period, 17th century (National Treasure)

Swords and Sword-fittings

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - April 1, 2007 (Sun)

This gallery, dedicated to the history of the Japanese sword, features manifold types of sword blades from the Heian to the Edo periods, as well as scabbards and individual sword fittings that were appreciated throughout history.
Current exhibition includes:
Chokuto Sword, Known as "Heishisyorin Ken", Asuka period, 7th century (National Treasure, Lent by Shitennoji, Osaka)
Tachi Sword, By Rai Kunimitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1327 (National Treasure)
Tachi Sword, Known as "Koryu Kagemitsu", By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)
Wakizashi Sword, By Nobukuni, Muromachi period, dated 1427 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Fujisengen Jinja, Sizuoka)

Stationery Stand, Morning sun, paulownia and phoenix in maki-e, Donated to yushima shrine by Matsudaira Tadamasa, Edo period, dated 1789

Thematic Exhibition

Sekitenki formerly kept at Yushima Confucian Shrine

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - February 25, 2007 (Sun)

Features lacquer works and other utensils made as sekitenki, objects used to perform the ceremony Sekiten that honors Confucius and his students.

Details

Coat, Attus (bast fiber), Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu,Tuesday, On exhibit November 28 - Sunday, December 18, 2006; Tuesday, January 2 - Sunday, 21, 2007)

Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

November 28, 2006 (Tue) - March 4, 2007 (Sun)

Features the decorative patterns of Ainu through their garments and daily utensils.

Details

Thematic Exhibition

Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - March 4, 2007 (Sun)

Features the decorative patterns of Ainu through their garments and daily utensils.

Details

The Confucian Sekiten Festival, Meiji period, 19th century

Thematic Exhibition

Series Japanese Natural History : Sekiten-Festival to Honor Confucius

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - February 25, 2007 (Sun)

Features Sekiten, a ceremony to honor Confucius and his students, still held in Japan, by introducing its history and related objects.

Details

Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - April 22, 2007 (Sun)

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.

Woman (detail), By Asai Chu, dated 1901 (Gift of Mr.Takano Tokiji)

Thematic Exhibition

The Takano Collection : Oil paintings by Asai Chu

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - February 12, 2007 (Mon)

This exhibit features a selection of oil paintings by the Meiji period painter Asai Chu, collected by the late Mr. Takano Tokiji.

Details

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - February 12, 2007 (Mon)

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:
Mt. Fuji rising above the clouds, By Yokoyama Taikan, 20th century (Taisho period)

Donations Gallery

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 20

January 2, 2007 (Tue) - March 4, 2007 (Sun)

Since our founding in 1872, more than 3,000 donors have greatly contributed to the forming of the collection in quality as well as in quantity. All of the donors are listed in this room, represented by selections in grateful remembrance of the donors.
On exhibit:
Large Flower Vase, Landscape Design, By Suzuki Chokichi, By Suzuki Chokichi, dated 1912 (Gift of the artist)
Sugawarano Michizane, By Yamazaki Choun, Showa period, 20th century (Gift of the artist)
Head of Old Man, By Takamura Kotaro, dated 1923 (Gift of Mrs. Eto Mikiko)

Exhibitions

January 28, 2007 (Sun), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

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)