February 27, 2007 (Tue), 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

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
April 8, 2007 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery Letters by Kukai

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
March 25, 2007 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
April 8, 2007 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian to Muromachi Periods (8c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
April 15, 2007 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Paintings: Kamakura and Muromachi Periods (12c-16c)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
April 8, 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

January 30, 2007 (Tue) -
March 11, 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

January 30, 2007 (Tue) -
March 11, 2007 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Kabuki Costumes - Dojoji and cherry blossoms

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

February 20, 2007 (Tue) -
April 22, 2007 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Edo Period Fashion and Design

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

February 20, 2007 (Tue) -
April 22, 2007 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

February 14, 2007 (Wed) -
March 11, 2007 (Sun)

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

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - April 8, 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:
Shosan Jodo Butsu Shoju Kyo (Sutra on Pure Land and Sation through the Grace of Buddha, Nara period, 8th century

National Treasure Gallery Letters by Kukai

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - March 25, 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:
Letters, By Kukai, Heian period, 9th century (National Treasure, Lent by Kyo'ogokoku-ji, Kyoto)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - April 8, 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:
Butsugen Mandala, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Honsen-ji, Tokyo)
Record of Dreams, By Priest Myoe, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kozanji, Kyoto)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - April 15, 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:
Illustrated Diary of Lady Murasaki, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Fragment from the Daiji Wakan Roei Shu Poetry Anthology, Attributed to Fujiwara no Kozei, Heian period, 11th century (Important Art Object, Gift of Mrs. Morita Chikka)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - April 8, 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:
Word Giving Clue to Zen Enlightenment, By Sekisitsu Zenkyu, Nanbokucho period, dated 1363 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Taoistic Immortals Seiobo and Tobosaku, 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

January 30, 2007 (Tue) - March 11, 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:
Kin Ki Sho Ga (music, go game, art and reading, four elegant pastimes), By Kaiho Yusho, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

January 30, 2007 (Tue) - March 11, 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:
Pine Tree in the Snow, By Maruyama Okyo, Edo period, 18th century
Literary Gathering at Lanting, By Nakayama Koyo, Edo period, dated 1778 (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Collection of Letters Known as "Sekiheki-jo", Edo period, 17th - 19th century (Gift of Mr. Ikeda Shigeaki)

Furisode(Garment with long Sleeves for Kabuki Theatre), Cherries and streams on red crepe, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Ms.Takagi Kyo)

Thematic Exhibition

Kabuki Costumes - Dojoji and cherry blossoms

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

February 20, 2007 (Tue) - April 22, 2007 (Sun)

Features kabuki costumes in cherry blossoms and other colorful patterns from the Edo period used by a female kabuki actor (okyogenshi), Bando Mitsue.

Details

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

February 20, 2007 (Tue) - April 22, 2007 (Sun)

Introduces women's fashion of the Edo period townspeople.
Current exhibit includes:
Kosode(Garment with Small Wrist Openings), Camellias, weeping willows, and hanging scrolls on brown plain-weave silk, Edo period, 18th century
Uchikake Garment, Waterfalls, cherry blossoms and bamboos on pink crepe ground, Edo period, 18th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

February 14, 2007 (Wed) - March 11, 2007 (Sun)

This exhibit celebrates the spring season with the Girls festival and other subjects. Masterworks of Hokusai and the Hishikawa school will also be on view.
Exhibit includes:
Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: A Mild Breeze on a Fine Day, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Popular Geisha at the Pleasure Quarters: Itsutomi, Itsuhana, Otami, and Ofuku, By Chobunsai Eishi, Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)
Woman with Kukurizaru (Tied Monkey), By Furuyama Moromasa, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

Painters' Drafts - Struggles for Perfection

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

February 20, 2007 (Tue) -
April 1, 2007 (Sun)

Preliminary drawing for the portrait of Master Tsubouchi, By Watanabe Kazan, Edo period, dated 1818(Gift of Mr. Okano Tessaku)

Thematic Exhibition

Painters' Drafts - Struggles for Perfection

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

February 20, 2007 (Tue) - April 1, 2007 (Sun)

Features drafts of paintings from the Edo Period, which often reflect the various efforts and expertise of the artists, as well as their interesting aspects apart from the finished works.

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

Hina and Various Japanese Dolls

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
April 8, 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 : Japanese Boats and Ships

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 27, 2007 (Tue) -
April 22, 2007 (Sun)
Preserving Our Cultural Properties

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

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

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

February 14, 2007 (Wed) -
March 25, 2007 (Sun)
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)

Standing Hina Doll, Jirozaemon-type Heads, Edo period, 18th century

Thematic Exhibition

Hina and Various Japanese Dolls

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - April 8, 2007 (Sun)

This exhibit introduces the tradition of hina-matsuri (Girl's Festival, or the peach blossom festival) through the craft of hina dolls.

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

Boats of the Shogun, Compiled by the Museum Bureau, Meiji period, 19th century(Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi, On exhibit through March 25, 2007)

Thematic Exhibition

Series Japanese Natural History : Japanese Boats and Ships

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

February 27, 2007 (Tue) - April 22, 2007 (Sun)

Features materials relating to Japanese ships, ranging chronologically from the Kamakura to the Edo period.

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.

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

February 14, 2007 (Wed) - March 25, 2007 (Sun)

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:
Woman Forced to Trample on a Tablet with the Crucifixion, By Kobayashi Kokei, dated 1914
Court Dress of Late Count Katsu, By Kawamura Kiyoo, dated 1899-1911

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

February 27, 2007 (Tue), 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)

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

National Treasure Gallery Letters by Kukai

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

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