January 4, 2018 (Thu), 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: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
July 16, 2018 (Mon)
The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: Sakyamuni Rising from the Gold Coffin

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
January 28, 2018 (Sun)
Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
March 18, 2018 (Sun)
Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

November 21, 2017 (Tue) -
February 12, 2018 (Mon)
Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

December 19, 2017 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 24, 2017 (Tue) -
January 28, 2018 (Sun)
Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

December 19, 2017 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
Noh and Kabuki: Auspicious Patterns in Designs for the Noh Theater

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

December 5, 2017 (Tue) -
February 18, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

December 5, 2017 (Tue) -
February 18, 2018 (Sun)
Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
January 28, 2018 (Sun)

Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated from Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century

The Dawn of Japanese Art: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - July 16, 2018 (Mon)

Current exhibit includes:
Haniwa (Terracotta tomb figurine), Dancing person, Excavated from Nohara Tumulus, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama, Kofun period, 6th century
Deep Bowl, Excavated from Miyanomae, Ina-shi, Nagano, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Dotaku (Bell-shaped bronze), Kinki-region style, Excavated from Mukaiyama, Ibaraki, Hidaka-cho, Wakayama, Yayoi period, 1st–3rd century
Dogu (Clay figurine), Excavated at Kamikurokoma, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi, Jomon period, 3000–2000 BC (Gift of Mr. Miyamoto Naokichi)

Seated Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha), Formerly owned by Kinrinji and Kosanji, Kyoto, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 1

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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 Kinrinji and Kosanji, Kyoto, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
8th century,
Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, Vol. 329, Known as "Yakushiji kyo", Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Yakushiji, Nara)
Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, Vol. 468, Votive sutra of Prince Nagaya, Nara period, dated 728 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)

Sakyamuni Rising from the Gold Coffin (dateil), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure, Lent by the Kyoto National Museum)

National Treasure Gallery: Sakyamuni Rising from the Gold Coffin

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 2

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - January 28, 2018 (Sun)

This scroll depicts the dramatic scene of the resurrection of the Buddha Sakyamuni. Hearing of his death and entrance into Nirvana, Sakyamuni's mother rushed to him from heaven. For his mother, who could not arrive in time, Sakyamuni, by his divine power, opened the coffin, rose up, and told her of the transient nature of life. With Sakyamuni in the middle, the centripetal composition of this work is striking and draws the viewer’s attention.

List of Exhibits

Ichijikinrin (Ekaksara-usnisacakra), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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:
Standing Bishamon Ten (Vaisravana), By Keisan, Kamakura period, dated 1271
Mandalaｓ of the Two Realms, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Gokurakuji, Kagawa)
Fudo Myo'o (Acalanatha), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Jimokuji, Aichi)
Ichijikinrin (Ekaksara-usnisacakra), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Sixteen Arhats: First Arhat, Pindolabharadraja, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Iconography of sixteen good deities, Compiled by Gensyo, By Gensho, Heian period, dated 1179 (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Daihannya-kyo Sutra, By Abe no Komizumaro, Heian period, dated 871 (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Daihannya kyo (Great Wisdom Sutra), Vol. 430, Kamakura period, dated 1229

Detached Segment of Frolicking Animals (detail), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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:
Detached Segment of Frolicking Animals, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Kokin wakashu Poetry Anthology, Gen'ei Version, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Calligraphy album, Nara–Edo period, 8th–17th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)
Mirror with Image of Zao Gongen in Hairline Engraving, Auspicious flower and phoenix pair design, Excavated from Dorogawa, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Heian period, 12th century

Chinese-style Quatrain in Seven-character Phrases (detail), By Ikkyu Sojun, Muromachi period, 15th century

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 3

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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:
Tenjin (Deity of academia), Crossing the Sea to China, Inscription by Ten'in Ryutaku, dated 1496, Muromachi period, dated 1496
Chinese-style Quatrain in Seven-character Phrases, By Ikkyu Sojun, Muromachi period, 15th century

Tea Bowl, Known as "Kanoko madara," By Ichinyu IV; Raku ware, Kuroraku type, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

The Art of Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 4

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - March 18, 2018 (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:
Water Jar, Peony design in overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Empress Dowager Shoken)
Tea Bowl, Known as "Kanoko madara," By Ichinyu IV; Raku ware, Kuroraku type, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)
Vase with Phoenix Handles, Celadon glaze, Longquan ware, China, Southern Song-Yuan dynasty, 13th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)

Gusoku, Type Armor, With two-piece cuirass with white lacing, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yoshihiro)

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

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

November 21, 2017 (Tue) - February 12, 2018 (Mon)

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:
Gusoku, Type Armor, With two-piece cuirass with white lacing, Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yoshihiro)
Daisho (Pair of long and short swords), Style Sword Mounting, Gold banding on red-lacquered ground, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tachi, Sword, By Yoshikane, Heian-Kamakura period, 12th–13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Itomaki no tachi, Style Sword Mounting (For tachi sword by Sadazane), With bamboo grass and gentian crests on nashiji lacquer ground, Edo period, 17th century
Jinbaori (Coat worn over armor), White nerinuki plain weave and sutra text design, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century

Mount Asama (detail), By Aodo Denzen, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)

Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 7

December 19, 2017 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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:
Mount Asama, By Aodo Denzen, Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property)

Bowl, Wagtail design, Mino ware, Nezumi Shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)

The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

October 24, 2017 (Tue) - January 28, 2018 (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:
Pair of Boxes for Shell Matching Game Pieces, Sceneｓ from the Tale of Genji, Edo period, 17th century
Kaji Shozoku (Suit worn at scene of fire), Wave and carp design on scarlet plain-weave woolen ground (with paired Japanese ginger crests), Edo period, 19th century
Yogi Bedspread, Edo period, 18th century
Water Dropper, Eggplant with Japanese gold beetle design, Edo period, 18th–19th century (Gift of Mr. Watanabe Toyotaro and Mr. Watanabe Masayuki)
Bowl, Wagtail design, Mino ware, Nezumi Shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Covered Dish, Fan shape, Mino ware, Oribe type, Edo period, 17th century

Pine Tree, Plum Blossoms, and Crane, By Ito Jakuchu, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mrs. Uematsu Kayoko)

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 8

December 19, 2017 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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, Plum Blossoms, and Crane, By Ito Jakuchu, Edo period, 18th century (Gift of Mrs. Uematsu Kayoko)
Waka Poem, By Emperor Reigen, Edo period, 17th century (Important Art Object, Private collection)

Atsuita Garment (Noh costume), Lion design on dark blue ground, Edo period, 17th century

Noh and Kabuki: Auspicious Patterns in Designs for the Noh Theater

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 9

December 5, 2017 (Tue) - February 18, 2018 (Sun)

Noh theater, one of Japan’s traditional performing arts, was presented at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples as an offering to the gods. In return, people hoped to be blessed with rich harvests, numerous descendants, as well as long and healthy lives. For this reason, props and costumes for Noh were often decorated with auspicious patterns – some Chinese in origin and others uniquely Japanese – that reflected these wishes. We invite visitors to take a closer look at these brilliant patterns that embody the hope for good fortune.

Current exhibit includes:
Atsuita Garment (Noh costume), Lion design on dark blue ground, Edo period, 17th century
Nuihaku (Noh costume), Stylized wave, mandarin duck, and Japanese spatterdock design on scarlet ground, Edo period, 18th century

Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Cloud, bamboo curtain, and tachibana orange design on white figured satin ground, Edo period, 19th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

December 5, 2017 (Tue) - February 18, 2018 (Sun)

Introduces the fashion of the Edo period townspeople. Enjoy comparing with the ukiyo-e works exhibited in the same room.

Current exhibit includes:
Furisode (Garment with long sleeves), Cloud, bamboo curtain, and tachibana orange design on white figured satin ground, Edo period, 19th century
Uchikake (Outer garment), Pine, bamboo, plum, sandbar-shaped table, and treasure design on white satin ground, Formely owned by Noguchi Hikobei, Edo period, 19th century
Inro (Medicine case), Tortoise and lobster design in maki-e lacquer, Edo period, 19th century

Scenes along the Sumida River (detail), By Chobunsai Eishi, Edo period, 19th century

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 10

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - January 28, 2018 (Sun)

The genre of ukiyo-e, which depicts the common people of the Edo period (1603?1868), initially consisted of only hand-painted works. Mass production of ukiyo-e later became possible through woodblock printing, while advances in carving and printing techniques eventually led to the creation of multi-colored prints called nishiki-e. This exhibition will display prints with New Year themes, such as the Seven Gods of Good Fortune and their Treasure Ship, as well as scenery from this time of year. The lineup also includes the folding screen, Woman Looking Out through the Rope Curtain, which demonstrates the transition from the genre paintings of the late 16th and early 17th century to the "Beauties of the Kanbun Era" from the late 17th-century. The latter genre of painting led to the creation of ukiyo-e.

Current exhibit includes:
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune on a Treasure Ship, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: Surugacho, Edo, By Katsushika Hokusai, Edo period, 19th century
Scenes along the Sumida River, By Chobunsai Eishi, Edo period, 19th century

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

October 24, 2017 (Tue) -
January 28, 2018 (Sun)

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

October 24, 2017 (Tue) - January 28, 2018 (Sun)

Including:
Columbus's Egg, By Kiho Takagi, 1995
Aurora, By Kozan Fukuyama, 1998
Please…, By Ryushi Komada, 1989
Cicada on Tile, By Senpo Kobayashi, 1989
Grazing Horse, By Gregg Stradiotto, 1993

2nd floor

Thematic Exhibition

Celebrating the New Year with Dogs in History and Art

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
January 28, 2018 (Sun)

Morning Glories and Puppies (detail), By Maruyama Okyo, Edo period, dated 1784

Thematic Exhibition

Celebrating the New Year with Dogs in History and Art

2nd floor
Rooms T1 & T2

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - January 28, 2018 (Sun)

2018 is the year of "man's best friend" – the dog. Canines are the earliest domesticated animals and have influenced the cultures of different ethnic groups throughout the world.

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

October 24, 2017 (Tue) -
February 4, 2018 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
April 8, 2018 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
April 8, 2018 (Sun)
Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

October 17, 2017 (Tue) -
January 8, 2018 (Mon)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

November 28, 2017 (Tue) -
February 25, 2018 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

The History of Appreciating Swords in Japan

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

December 5, 2017 (Tue) -
February 25, 2018 (Sun)
Records of History: Culinary Culture of Edo

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

November 28, 2017 (Tue) -
January 28, 2018 (Sun)
Ainu and Ryukyu: Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

November 28, 2017 (Tue) -
February 25, 2018 (Sun)
Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

April 15, 2014 (Tue) -
March 31, 2020 (Tue)
Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

January 2, 2018 (Tue) -
February 12, 2018 (Mon)
Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

April 18, 2017 (Tue) -
August 5, 2018 (Sun)

Standing Fudo Myo'o (Acalanatha), Heian period, 11th century (Important Cultural Property)

Japanese Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 11

October 24, 2017 (Tue) - February 4, 2018 (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:
Chinese Lion and Dog, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Seated Male Shinto Deity, Heian period, 11th century, Important Cultural Property, Lent by Daishogunhachi jinja, Kyoto
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Sahasrabhuja）No. 493, By Injo, Kamakura period, dated 1251–59 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myoho'in (From the Main Hall of Rengeo'in), Kyoto)
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Sahasrabhuja）No. 504, By Ryuen, Kamakura period, dated 1251–66 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myoho'in (From the Main Hall of Rengeo'in), Kyoto)
Standing Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Sahasrabhuja）No. 40, By Tankei, Kamakura period, dated 1251–56 Important Cultural Property, Lent by Myoho'in (From the Main Hall of Rengeo'in), Kyoto)

Writing Box, Scene illustrating a poem known as "Shio no yama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 12

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)

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:
Tebako (Cosmetic box), Scattered fan design in maki-e lacquer, Kamakura-Nanbokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the OKURA MUSEUM OF ART, Tokyo)
Writing Box, Reed and boat design in maki-e lacquer, Attributed to Hon'ami Koetsu, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Box for Priest's Vestment, Mount Penglai (Horai) design in maki-e lacquer, Horyuji Treasures Collection, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Writing Box, Scene illustrating a poem known as "Shio no yama" in maki-e lacquer, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property)
Red-lacquered Oshiki (plate) and Keisu (cup stand), Muromachi period, dated 1457 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Masumida Shrine, Aichi)
Red-lacquered Lobed Tray, Muromachi period, dated 1455 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, Tokyo)
Red-lacquered Tray with Three Legs, Nanbokucho period, dated 1379 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Hotsumisakiji, Kochi)

Hanging Lantern, Plum and bamboo design in openwork, Excavated at Sen'yoji temple site, Chibadera-machi, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Muromachi period, dated 1550 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hatano Yujiro)

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - April 8, 2018 (Sun)

This exhibition provides a historical overview of Japanese metalwork from the Heian (794–1192) to the Edo (1603–1868) period. Objects are displayed by category, such as Buddhist ritual implements, mirrors, tea kettles, objects with designs in cloisonné, decorative fittings, and okimono ornaments. Visitors are invited to view the beauty of metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron, as well as the shapes they were crafted into, and the designs they were freely embellished with.

Current exhibit includes:
Hanging Lantern, Plum and bamboo design in openwork, Excavated at Sen'yoji temple site, Chibadera-machi, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Muromachi period, dated 1550 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hatano Yujiro)
Kei Gong, Lotus pond design, Excavated at Kinpusen, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Ichimenki (Set of vessels for ritual offerings), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kokenji, Kagawa)

Tachi Sword, Known as “Koryu Kagemitsu” (detail), By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)

Japanese Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

October 17, 2017 (Tue) - January 8, 2018 (Mon)

Exhibits selected swords and sword-fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Tachi Sword, Known as "Koryu Kagemitsu", By Kagemitsu.

Current exhibit includes:
Tachi Sword, Known as “Koryu Kagemitsu”, By Kagemitsu, Kamakura period, dated 1322 (National Treasure)
Katana Sword, Known as “Ishida Masamune”, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

Tea Leaf Jar, Moon and plum design in overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 13

November 28, 2017 (Tue) - February 25, 2018 (Sun)

From Japan's first glazed ceramics of the Nara period to the various wares of the late Edo period, the exhibits will introduce the history of Japanese ceramics through masterworks according to time period and production sites.

Current exhibit includes:
Large-mouthed Jar, Yellow glaze with peony arabesque design, Seto ware, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
Tea Leaf Jar, Moon and plum design in overglaze enamel, Studio of Ninsei, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)
Square Dish, Design of Chinese figure watching seagulls in underglaze iron, By Ogata Korin and Shinsei , Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)
Large Bowl, Pine and plum tree design in underglaze blue, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Private collectio)
Sake Ewer, Peony and lion design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Deep Bowl, Flower and bird design in overglaze enamel, Imari ware, Kakiemon type, Edo period, 17th century (Important Cultural Property)

Katana Sword, Known as "Kanze Masamune" Unsigned, By Masamune, Kamakura period, 14th century (National Treasure)

Thematic Exhibition

The History of Appreciating Swords in Japan

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 14

December 5, 2017 (Tue) - February 25, 2018 (Sun)

Swords have been appreciated in Japan from 600 years ago. This thematic exhibition aims to experience the aspects of sword appreciation that has been accumulated over time, by looking at actual blades.

Details

Guide to Famous Places of Kyoto (detail), By Akizato Rito, illustrations by Takehara Nobushige, Re-publication: Edo period, dated 1780 (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi)

Records of History: Culinary Culture of Edo

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 15

November 28, 2017 (Tue) - January 28, 2018 (Sun)

Tokyo National Museum holds documents and other objects that reveal Japan’s history. This collection is comprised primarily of objects from the government of the shogun in the Edo period (1603–1868). Since the establishment of the museum in 1872 (Meiji 5), the collection grew through expositions and surveys of cultural properties that the museum was involved in. This exhibition features the history of Japanese culinary culture revealed through cookbooks from the Edo period. Also included in the lineup – from the museum’s large collection of photographs taken from the end of the Edo period and throughout the Meiji era – are early photographs of the museum, as well as temples and shrines, such as Kan’eiji temple, with historical connections to the museum.

Current exhibit includes:
Merrymaking under the Moon, Edo period, 18th century
Boki-e (biographical stories about priest Kakunyo) (copy), Copied by Nagai Jo'un, Edo period–Meiji era, 19th century
Guide to Famous Places of Kyoto, By Akizato Rito, illustrations by Takehara Nobushige, Re-publication: Edo period, dated 1780 (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Muneyoshi)
Yamashitamonnai Museum, Collections Gallery 1, By Wada Ichiro, Dated 1874

Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)

Ainu and Ryukyu: Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 16

November 28, 2017 (Tue) - February 25, 2018 (Sun)

This display features elaborate designs the Ainu people used to decorate their garments and daily utensils. Garment designs were rendered from pieces of cotton cloth and dyed embroidery. Wooden objects such as trays, makiri knife mountings, and ritual quivers were decorated with minutely carved patterns. Women decorated using cloth and needles, and men engraved designs with makiri knives. The Ainu designs featured include whorl patterns called morew and brace-like patterns known as ayus.
The Ainu people held rituals and dances wearing garments and holding objects decorated with these designs.

Current exhibit includes:
Hood, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
Hat, Ethnic group unknown, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Katayama Naoto)
Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Pendent Ornament in Shape of Flounder, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Jinbaori (Coat worn over armor), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century

Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 17

April 15, 2014 (Tue) - March 31, 2020 (Tue)

>> detailed information
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.

Selflessness (detail), By Yokoyama Taikan, Dated 1897

Modern Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 18

January 2, 2018 (Tue) - February 12, 2018 (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:
Selflessness, By Yokoyama Taikan, Dated 1897
Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, By Aoki Shigeru, 1906
Brahmin, By Hirakushi Denchu, Dated 1917
Eagle, By Suzuki Chokichi, Dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago)
Mount Fuji, Plaque in cloisonne, By Namikawa Sousuke, Dated 1893 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition)
Large Vase, Plum tree design in underglaze iron brown under yellow glaze, By Miyagawa Kozan I, Dated 1892 (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition)

Bingata Garment with Peony Design on White Cotton, Second Sho dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century *The Original artifact will be on display from July 25th to September 3rd 2017 in Gallery 16 of the Honkan (Japanese Gallery).

Creation Process of Bingata

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 19

April 18, 2017 (Tue) - August 5, 2018 (Sun)

This year’s reproduction project features a garment from Okinawa, made by using the island’s traditional bingata dyeing technique. With a mass of colorful peony flowers, buds, and leaves, all dyed on a white background, the original work is entitled: Bingata Garment with Peony Design on White Cotton. The intricate design structure and vivid colors gave our team ample opportunity to explore this superb dyeing technique that blossomed in the 19th-century Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa. What kind of dyeing techniques allow such minutely-detailed flower petals and leaf shapes, and what kind of culture nurtured the colorful style of bingata? This display explores answers to these questions through a combination of research, fieldwork, and hands-on reproduction.

Details

Exhibitions

January 4, 2018 (Thu), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

The Dawn of Japanese Art: Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods

The Rise of Buddhism: Asuka–Nara period

National Treasure Gallery: Sakyamuni Rising from the Gold Coffin

Buddhist Art: Heian–Muromachi period

Courtly Art: Heian–Muromachi period

Zen and Ink Painting: Kamakura–Muromachi period

The Art of Tea Ceremony

Attire of the Military Elite: Heian–Edo period

Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

The Arts of Daily Life: Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period

Developments in Painting and Calligraphy: Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period

Noh and Kabuki: Auspicious Patterns in Designs for the Noh Theater

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Fashion

Ukiyo-e and Fashion in the Edo Period: Ukiyo-e

2nd floor

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor

Celebrating the New Year with Dogs in History and Art

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Japanese Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Japanese Swords

Ceramics

The History of Appreciating Swords in Japan

Records of History: Culinary Culture of Edo

Ainu and Ryukyu: Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

Conservation and Restoration

Modern Art

Creation Process of Bingata

Exhibitions and Events

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